by JAG MOHAN THAKEN
Punjab, the major grain producer state of India, has faced the brunt of the severe deluge during the last fortnight which has dashed all hopes of the inhabitants, especially the farmers of the state. It has inflicted deep wounds to the state. An official release informed that flood havoc has struck 2185 villages across 22 districts till September 10 with the affected population crossing 3,88,466. On the agricultural front, the total crop area damaged has climbed to 1,91,981.45 hectares.
To heal the wounds of flood affected people, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Punjab on Tuesday, September 9, and reviewed the flood situation and damage caused and extending a helping hand, he announced financial assistance of Rs. 1600 crore for Punjab and stated that this relief of Rs. 1600 crore for Punjab is in addition to the Rs 12,000 crore already in the state’s kitty.
The Punjab wing of BJP leaders have applauded the Prime Minister for extending relief of Rs, 1600 crore and revealing that Rs 12,000 crore already in the state’s kitty.
Sunil Jakhar, the State president of BJP, says, “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has announced an additional ₹1600 crore in aid for flood-affected Punjab, on top of the existing ₹12,000 crore in central assistance. I wholeheartedly thank the Prime Minister for supporting the people of Punjab during this challenging time.”
Ravneet Singh Bittu @RavneetBittu, Union Minister of State Railway & Food Processing Industries, tweets, “The people of Punjab express their heartfelt gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Shri Narendra Modi ji, for the generous relief package of ₹1600 crore extended to the state during this critical time. This timely assistance reflects the Prime Minister’s deep concern and compassion for Punjab and its people.”
Is Rs 12,000 crore DRF a false propaganda by BJP?
After the statement of Prime Minister, Modi, the BJP leaders are making much hue and cry that the state government is already having Rs 12,000 crore in the state’s kitty. But the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab, on September 11, has strongly countered it by terming this as the false propaganda being spread by BJP leaders over the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and released the actual official figures to the people of Punjab.
In a statement, Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema condemned the BJP for deliberately misleading the public on disaster relief funds. He said, “BJP leaders have been shamelessly peddling lies to defame the AAP government. The truth is now before the people, and every single rupee received and spent from SDRF is in the public domain. Unlike BJP, which thrives on deceit and diversion, we believe in transparency and accountability.”
