Punjab Protests Centre’s ₹1,600 Crore Flood Relief, Says No Money Received

National News: The Punjab government strongly criticised the Centre over its unfulfilled flood relief promise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a Rs 1,600 crore package for the state, but none of the money has reached Punjab yet. This led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs to stage a protest in the Assembly on Friday, demanding immediate action. Holding banners and shouting slogans, the MLAs called the Centre’s pledge a "betrayal." They said, "We needed Rs 20,000 crore, but the Centre gave us a hollow promise of ₹1,600 crore, and not a single rupee has come."

Punjab Assembly Raises Strong Objection

During a special session, the AAP government, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, sent a firm message to the BJP-led Central Government. They said Punjab would not accept mere promises and demanded real financial help. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticized the Centre directly, saying the Prime Minister's visit was just for "photo opportunities." He added that the Prime Minister did not even express sympathy to a family that lost three members in the floods. Cheema also accused Congress leaders of supporting the BJP instead of helping Punjab during the crisis.

Calls for Adequate Relief for Farmers and Flood Victims

Water Resources Minister Brinder Kumar Goyal introduced a resolution in the Assembly, pointing out that Punjab had asked for ₹20,000 crore, but the Centre offered only ₹1,600 crore. He called it a cruel joke on the farmers and flood victims. Goyal also said that although the package was announced on September 9, not a single rupee has been released. He urged the Central Government to approve a special package of at least ₹20,000 crore and release the ₹1,600 crore immediately to the Punjab Disaster Relief Fund.

Punjab Demands Justice and Respect

State Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian called the Centre’s promise an insult to Punjab. He highlighted the losses detailed by the Chief Secretary, including damaged roads, 1.91 lakh hectares of destroyed crops, ruined homes, and land. Despite these losses, the Centre only promised ₹1,600 crore, which has not been delivered. The government emphasized that the damage is massive, and ₹1,600 crore is far too little. Punjab needs a minimum of ₹60,000 crore to support farmers, rebuild infrastructure, and stabilize the lives of its people. Under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the Assembly sent a clear message: "Punjab will not beg for charity. It will fight for its rights. This is about relief, but also about the dignity of Punjab."