The ‘Us-Paar’ region, home to seven villages with nearly 3,500 people, remains cut off for four months every year. An 800-metre bridge, costing Rs 100.48 crore, was proposed in 2002 but never built. Instead, a pontoon bridge was set up, which gets dismantled during monsoons, leaving villagers stranded.

Without connectivity, residents face severe hardships—patients can’t access hospitals, schools function irregularly, industries never developed, and even mobile networks avoid the area. Families often marry off daughters early, fearing inaccessibility.

In 2021, the Centre sanctioned funds under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund. Land was identified for construction, but engineers shifted the site due to water surge risks. Though over Rs 10 crore was allotted for land acquisition, only Rs 2.5 crore has reached farmers, halting progress.

Rahul Gandhi promised Kaushalya Devi that he would take up the Us-Paar bridge crisis with urgency and press local leaders to act.

The post Rahul Gandhi Promises Action on Us-Paar Bridge Crisis appeared first on India Podcast.

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann criticized Gandhi’s “delayed visit,” suggesting he should have waited for more water to recede before meeting people. Congress leaders rejected the claim, arguing that his presence was timely as the real hardships of villagers were now surfacing. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said Union Home Minister Amit Shah had personally called party president Mallikarjun Kharge, requesting that Gandhi avoid crossing the swollen Ravi river. Warring added that unlike PM Modi, who engaged in “photo-ops,” Gandhi connected with villagers directly.

Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa accused the AAP government of “deliberately obstructing” Gandhi’s programme, calling it “politically motivated and insensitive.” He questioned how the government could claim to ensure public safety if it could not protect a senior leader. Former Punjab CM Charanjit Channi also hit out at Mann, alleging that internal rifts within AAP kept him away from relief efforts. Channi defended Gandhi’s visit as an act of solidarity, while questioning whether the ₹1,600 crore central aid would be sufficient to rebuild flood-hit Punjab.

The post Congress Alleges AAP, Centre Blocked Rahul Gandhi’s Punjab Visit appeared first on India Podcast.

Due to the grim flood situation, Congress has cancelled all political programmes, including meetings for district unit appointments. Instead, the focus has shifted fully to relief and rehabilitation across 12 flood-affected districts.

Rahul Gandhi, in a message on X, expressed sorrow over the loss of lives and widespread devastation. He conveyed condolences to families of victims and wished safety for stranded people. “Farmers, labourers, herdsmen and common citizens should get immediate help. Relief work must be the highest priority,” Gandhi stated, urging party workers to dedicate themselves to service.

State Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said district units were directed to focus only on rehabilitation. A control room is also being set up at the state headquarters to coordinate efforts.

The visit of Rahul Gandhi to flood-hit Punjab areas is expected to boost the morale of affected families and highlight the need for urgent government support.

The post Congress Prepares for Rahul Gandhi’s Visit to Flood-Hit Punjab appeared first on India Podcast.