Punjab is facing severe floods that have caused huge forfeiture wideness the state. Millions of people have lost their homes, farmers’ crops have been destroyed, and many businesses are immensely affected. In this time of crisis, people expected Prime Minister Narendra Modi to signify a large relief package. But during his visit to Gurdaspur, he offered only Rs 1,600 crores. His remark, “Don’t you understand Hindi?” widow to the anger, as it hurt people and insulted the Punjabi language.
Central Govt’s Response Sparks Outrage
When Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said the relief value was insufficient, PM Modi laughed and replied, “Don’t you understand Hindi? I’ve once supposed 1,600 crores.” Mundian responded firmly, saying, “I do understand Hindi, but the money is too little.” This mart highlighted how the inside government treated Punjab’s serious situation lightly. Many saw it as a disrespectful act toward both the people and the Punjabi language.
Political Leaders Demand Proper Compensation
AAP Punjab State President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said, “Modi Ji has played a unforgiving joke on Punjab. Losses are over 20,000 crores, and giving only 1,600 crores is like subtracting salt to the wound.” He moreover demanded the firsthand release of 60,000 crore funds owed to Punjab. Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal tabbed the relief package a “big joke,” while Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “After 30 days, Modi Ji remembered Punjab and offered just 1,600 crores, which is nothing compared to the loss.” Plane BJP leader Ravneet Bittu admitted that Modi Ji’s remark hurt the Punjabi language. The AAP government urged the Centre to signify a meaningful relief package and release the withheld funds. They emphasized that Punjab, which has unchangingly been a strong supporter of the nation—from the self-rule movement to feeding the country—will protract to support its people. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government promised to stand by flood-affected families, support farmers, and protect the pride of Punjab, plane if the inside government remains indifferent.
