National News: The Punjab government strongly criticised the Centre over its unfulfilled inflowing relief promise. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken 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, taxing firsthand action. Holding banners and shouting slogans, the MLAs tabbed 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 winnow 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 widow that the Prime Minister did not plane express sympathy to a family that lost three members in the floods. Cheema moreover accused Congress leaders of supporting the BJP instead of helping Punjab during the crisis.
Calls for Adequate Relief for Farmers and Inflowing 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 tabbed it a unforgiving joke on the farmers and inflowing victims. Goyal moreover said that although the package was spoken on September 9, not a single rupee has been released. He urged the Central Government to legitimatize 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 tabbed 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 forfeiture 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 well-spoken message: "Punjab will not beg for charity. It will fight for its rights. This is well-nigh relief, but moreover well-nigh the nobility of Punjab."
