Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal today visited flood-affected areas of Punjab along with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The two leaders toured villages in Gurdaspur, Amritsar, and Kapurthala, regions badly hit by the recent floods that have displaced thousands and destroyed crops across large stretches of farmland.
During the visit, Kejriwal and Mann interacted with families staying in relief camps and those whose homes had been submerged. They reassured residents that both the state government and AAP workers were working tirelessly to provide immediate assistance. Relief camps have been set up to distribute food, medicines, and safe drinking water, while the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and local teams continue rescue operations with boats in waterlogged villages.
Kejriwal emphasized that AAP volunteers from across the country have contributed to Punjab’s relief efforts. He pointed out that Delhi AAP chief Saurabh Bharadwaj had already reached Punjab with relief material collected from traders and resident groups. “The entire nation stands with Punjab in this difficult time,” Kejriwal said, highlighting the importance of nationwide solidarity.
Adding to the relief drive, several AAP MPs have sanctioned funds from their MPLADS allocations. Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha released ₹3.25 crore, including ₹2.75 crore for strengthening embankments and ₹50 lakh for immediate aid. MP Sandeep Pathak sanctioned ₹5 crore for reconstruction in Ferozepur, promising to work closely with local officials to ensure quick delivery of assistance.
Chief Minister Mann stated that the government will prioritize farmers who lost standing crops, with compensation packages being prepared. He also called for stronger long-term flood management systems, including better drainage, embankment protection, and early warning mechanisms.
With more than 3.5 lakh people affected across Punjab, today’s visit by Kejriwal and Mann underscored the urgency of relief, rehabilitation, and preventive planning. Officials said assessments are underway to estimate total losses and finalize aid packages in coordination with the central government.
