Punjab reels under devastating floods
Punjab is facing one of its worst flood disasters in recent years. Millions have been displaced, crops across vast tracts of farmland destroyed, and industries severely hit. The estimated losses are said to have crossed ₹20,000 crores, creating immense hardship for farmers and common families.
In this situation, expectations were high that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would announce a significant relief package during his visit to Gurdaspur. However, his declaration of just ₹1,600 crores of aid has sparked outrage across the state.
What added to the controversy was his remark to Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian — “Don’t you understand Hindi?” — when the minister expressed dissatisfaction with the relief amount. The comment has triggered anger, with many leaders saying it insulted not only Punjabis but also the Punjabi language.
AAP accuses Centre of step-motherly treatment
Responding to the Prime Minister’s announcement, AAP leaders launched a scathing attack. Punjab State President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora said, “Modi Ji has played a cruel joke on Punjab. Against losses exceeding ₹20,000 crores, giving only ₹1,600 crores is not healing the wounds, but sprinkling salt on them.”
He further alleged that the Centre has been withholding Punjab’s funds worth ₹60,000 crores and demanded their immediate release. According to Arora, the Prime Minister’s visit was focused on photo opportunities rather than real relief for affected people.
Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal termed the package a “big joke”, while Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “After 30 days, Modi Ji remembered Punjab and threw just ₹1,600 crores, which is like a drop in the ocean.”
Insult to language sparks backlash
The language issue added fuel to the political fire. When Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian said the relief was inadequate, the Prime Minister reportedly laughed and replied, “Don’t you understand Hindi? I’ve already declared ₹1,600 crores.”
Mundian responded firmly: “I do understand Hindi, but the money is too little.” The exchange went viral, drawing criticism from opposition leaders, civil society groups, and even some voices within the BJP.
Senior BJP leader Ravneet Bittu admitted that the remark was insulting to the Punjabi language, although he later tried to clarify. For many in Punjab, however, the incident was viewed as a direct attack on the state’s dignity and culture.
AAP vows to support people despite Centre’s stance
The AAP government has reiterated its demand for a larger relief package to compensate for massive losses. Leaders insist that anything less than a significant financial commitment would not address the scale of destruction faced by Punjab.
At the same time, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government has pledged to continue supporting every flood-affected family. According to AAP, Punjab has always stood at the forefront — from the freedom struggle to feeding the nation. Now, despite the Centre’s limited aid, the state government aims to remain a pillar of strength for farmers, rural residents, and industries fighting to recover.
AAP leaders also emphasized that the pride of Punjabis and the respect for their language cannot be compromised. They accused the Centre of ignoring Punjab’s contribution to the nation and treating the state with step-motherly behavior during a humanitarian crisis.
Political storm likely to intensify
With Punjab struggling to rebuild after the floods, the controversy over the relief package is set to fuel political tensions. The AAP is expected to continue pressing for immediate release of withheld funds and a bigger relief commitment. Meanwhile, the BJP faces growing criticism from both opposition parties and common citizens over the Prime Minister’s comments.
As rehabilitation efforts continue, the people of Punjab are looking for more than just symbolic visits. For many, real support means financial aid that matches the scale of the disaster. Until then, the debate over the ₹1,600 crore package and the “Hindi remark” is likely to dominate Punjab’s political landscape.