Chandigarh: With Punjab reeling from the impact of recent floods, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab President Aman Arora has made a strong pitch for a central relief package ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s scheduled visit to the state on September 9.
Addressing a press gathering, Arora stressed the urgent need for central assistance, proposing that the Union Government allocate a minimum of Rs 20,000 crore to help Punjab recover from the disaster. “The scale of destruction is massive—homes, livelihoods, and infrastructure have been devastated. The Centre must rise to the occasion and support the state in its time of need,” he said.
The AAP leader took a dig at Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who recently toured flood-hit regions in Punjab but, according to Arora, failed to offer any financial aid or concrete assistance. “His visit yielded nothing for the people of Punjab. It was disappointing, to say the least,” Arora remarked, calling the absence of a relief announcement “a matter of national concern.”
As Prime Minister Modi prepares to arrive in Punjab, Arora urged him to make an immediate declaration of support during his visit. “This is an opportunity for the Prime Minister to show that the Centre stands with the people of Punjab in a difficult time. An on-the-spot announcement would send a strong message,” he stated.
Reflecting on past controversies, Arora also addressed concerns around the Prime Minister’s security, particularly referencing a breach that occurred during the previous Congress-led administration. “What happened earlier was indeed unfortunate. But today, under our government, we are fully committed to ensuring the Prime Minister’s safety and dignified visit,” he assured.
Punjab has suffered significant damage over the past several weeks due to relentless rainfall and flooding, affecting thousands of families and causing severe agricultural and infrastructural losses. While the state government has launched immediate relief operations, leaders across party lines have acknowledged that assistance from the Centre will be critical for long-term recovery.
With the Prime Minister’s arrival just hours away, political observers and citizens alike are watching closely, hopeful that the visit will bring more than just assurances.
