Chandigarh: The Punjab Assembly’s special session on the recent floods began with sharp exchanges on the first day as Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann targeted the opposition for politicizing the disaster. Speaking in the House, Mann remarked that “some people find opportunities even in tragedies,” accusing rivals of using the floods as an excuse to attack him.
He mocked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s Punjab visit, pointing out that Gandhi was given Z-plus security during the flood review. “The flow of the Ravi was strong. If something had happened, they would have claimed Rahul Gandhi was sent to Pakistan,” Mann said sarcastically.
The Chief Minister criticized the Centre over disaster relief funding, stating that in the last 25 years, only ₹6,090 crore had been allocated to Punjab under the State Disaster Fund, with the rest contributed by the state government itself. He accused Union ministers of mere optics, alleging they visited flood-hit areas only to pose for photographs with their trousers rolled up.
Mann also hit back at claims of misusing relief funds, clarifying that CSR contributions cannot be deposited in the CM Relief Fund and that MPs can contribute only up to ₹20 lakh. “That is why we set up a separate society under the Finance Minister, and we will explain its details ourselves,” he added.
On the issue of water management, Mann dismissed criticism over the release of 4,000 cusecs from BBMB dams, asking how such a small amount could have stopped massive flooding. He also displayed a letter from the Haryana government refusing to take Punjab’s excess floodwater, despite Haryana CM’s assurances of cooperation.
Earlier in the session, AAP MLAs disrupted proceedings, demanding adequate central funds for flood relief. The Assembly was adjourned for nearly 20 minutes after members displayed posters reading “Modi Ji’s ₹1600 crore jumla.” Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of making empty promises, saying he did not even meet a family that lost four children in the floods during his visit to Pathankot. “The Prime Minister hates Punjab, but people will teach the BJP a lesson in the times ahead,” Cheema declared.
The special session is expected to continue with heated debates as the government and opposition trade charges over flood management and relief measures.
