Finance Minister Harpal Cheema hit back, calling Bajwa’s stand “anti-Punjab” and accusing him of misleading the public. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann defended the fund, saying all contributions are transparent and updated on a government website. He explained that the fund was set up to attract corporate donations under CSR, as many companies were hesitant to donate to the CM Relief Fund.

Bajwa clarified that he was not against donations but only against creating a new fund when one already exists. The clash highlights growing tensions between AAP and Congress over flood relief and financial management in Punjab.

The post Rangla Punjab Vikas Fund Row appeared first on India Podcast.

Earlier, he met affected families in Ghonewal and Gurchak villages of Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts. When police stopped him from crossing the river, Gandhi questioned their decision. A viral video showed him asking: “You are telling me you cannot keep me safe on Indian territory? Is it not India?”

Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa accompanied him. Gandhi argued that the Leader of Opposition should not be stopped from meeting his people.

The restriction sparked strong reactions in the Congress camp. Former CM Charanjit Singh Channi called it “unfortunate.” Warring asked if Indians were unsafe even on their own soil. Senior leader Partap Singh Bajwa accused the AAP government of using “political excuses” to avoid accountability.

Congress leaders also criticized both AAP and BJP for ignoring border villagers. They said flood victims need support, not excuses.

The episode has turned into a political controversy, highlighting anger over poor relief efforts in flood-hit Punjab.

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