Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party government has strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the flood-hit state. The focus key phrase Punjab flood relief package dominated the discussions, with AAP leaders calling the grant of Rs 1,600 crore inadequate. They said the Punjab flood relief package falls far short of the Rs 20,000 crore demand placed before the Centre.
AAP president Aman Arora said the losses were in thousands of crores, making the grant “a drop in the ocean.” The Punjab Government estimated damages of Rs 13,800 crore to schools, hospitals, power networks, bridges, and other infrastructure. A presentation on these damages was made to the PM, but ministers claimed their pleas for a larger Punjab flood relief package were ignored.
With Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann hospitalised, four state ministers presented Punjab’s case. They also reminded Modi about the Rs 60,000 crore pending dues, including GST and rural development funds. Revenue Minister Hardeep Mundian said the PM’s late visit offered “a band-aid, not a healing touch.” Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Khudian added that Punjab has always stood by the nation and now expected real support in return.
