Ajnala: In the wake of severe flooding that has wreaked havoc across Punjab, BJP leader and state Working President Ashwani Sharma visited the worst-hit areas to assess the damage and extend support to affected communities. During his visit, Sharma urged both state and national leaders to put politics aside and focus on the immediate relief efforts needed for the people of Punjab.
The floods, which have caused widespread destruction, especially in the regions along the Ravi River from Pathankot to Abohar, have left farmers devastated, with crops destroyed and many homes submerged. Thousands of families are struggling to rebuild their lives, with several villages still facing the aftermath of the disaster.
“Floods Have Affected Every Household”
Sharma, who toured flood-affected villages in Ajnala, described the situation as dire, highlighting the immense challenges faced by local farmers and common citizens. “This year’s floods have severely impacted Punjab. Many homes have collapsed, crops are destroyed, and the livelihood of countless families has been wiped out. The area from Pathankot to Abohar has particularly been affected by the devastation caused by the Ravi River,” Sharma said.
Support from BJP-Ruled States
Amid the overwhelming challenges, the BJP leader noted that assistance has been pouring in from not just within Punjab but from BJP-ruled states across the country. “Each BJP-led state has provided ₹5 crore in aid to Punjab to help with the relief efforts,” Sharma revealed, adding that party workers are on the ground, distributing essential relief materials to the affected families.
Centre’s Immediate Response
Sharma also assured the public of the central government’s commitment to supporting Punjab. “Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has immediately released Rs 1,600 crore in relief funds for the state,” he said. The BJP leader further added that an advance of Rs 240 crore had already been sent to Punjab to help deal with the floods, in addition to the annual funds allocated for disaster management.
Appeal for Unity Amid Crisis
In a bid to shift the focus from political squabbles to urgent relief work, Sharma called on all political parties and state leaders to unite for the welfare of the flood victims. “This is a time when we all must rise above politics and work together to support those who are suffering. We must come together, irrespective of party lines, to rebuild Punjab,” he stated.
Sharma emphasized that the central government remains fully committed to the people of Punjab. “The government at the Centre stands with the people of Punjab in this hour of crisis. We will leave no stone unturned in providing the necessary support and resources to rebuild the state,” he added.
A Call for Collaborative Effort
While discussing the ongoing relief efforts, Sharma urged the opposition to work collaboratively and refrain from politicizing the situation. “Now is not the time for political point-scoring. I appeal to all leaders to focus on the recovery efforts and help the state emerge stronger from this calamity,” he said.
As Punjab continues to grapple with the aftermath of the floods, the combined efforts of the central government, state authorities, and local organizations will be crucial in providing immediate relief and supporting long-term recovery for those affected.
With assistance flowing in and relief teams working tirelessly on the ground, there is hope that the state will gradually recover from this devastating natural disaster.
