Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday described the recent floods as the state’s most severe disaster in the past five decades, saying the devastation has affected nearly 2,000 villages and displaced over 4 lakh residents. At least 43 people have lost their lives across 14 districts, he added.
Cheema noted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his recent visit to Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, announced a relief package of Rs 1,600 crore for Punjab and Rs 1,500 crore for Himachal. However, he argued that the amount falls far short of the actual requirements. Echoing this sentiment, senior leader Sunil Jakhar also termed the relief as merely a “token gesture.”
Addressing the press, Cheema alleged that Punjab bore the brunt of heavy rainfall as rivers overflowed, submerging farmland and destroying crops. He said the losses extend beyond agriculture, impacting homes, infrastructure, and livelihoods, with Punjab’s contribution of nearly 25–30% to the nation’s GDP also at risk.
Sharp criticism was directed at the Centre, with Cheema accusing the Prime Minister of neglecting Punjab in its time of crisis. “It took nearly a month for the PM to visit Punjab. His announcement is nothing more than a drop in the ocean. Instead of extending solidarity, he prioritized meeting party functionaries over engaging with the state government,” Cheema said.
He further alleged that the Prime Minister’s conduct reflected “disregard” for Punjab, even accusing him of insulting the Punjabi language during discussions on relief measures. “This disaster needed compassion and action. Punjab expected support, but was instead met with indifference,” the Finance Minister remarked.
