Chandigarh – Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) state president Aman Arora has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to announce a ₹20,000 crore relief package during his upcoming visit to the flood-hit state. He also demanded the immediate release of ₹60,000 crore in pending funds, warning that “mere flood tourism” and photo opportunities will not address Punjab’s dire crisis.
The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit flood-affected districts of Punjab on Tuesday. Arora said the people of Punjab warmly welcome him but expect more than symbolic gestures.
Call for Substantial Relief, Not Symbolism
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Arora said the Centre must recognise Punjab’s suffering and respond with tangible aid.
“On behalf of over three crore Punjabis, I welcome the Prime Minister. But this should not be reduced to flood tourism for photo opportunities. If Punjab is truly considered an integral part of India, then a ₹20,000 crore relief package must be announced,” Arora declared.
He added that the devastation caused by the recent floods has left thousands homeless, destroyed livelihoods, and inflicted massive losses on agriculture and infrastructure. Punjab, he argued, deserves the same urgency shown to other states during natural calamities.
Demand for Release of Pending Dues
The minister reiterated his demand for the release of ₹60,000 crore owed to Punjab by the Centre. The pending amount includes around ₹50,000 crore in revenue losses from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime and another ₹8,000 crore withheld under the Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF).
Arora pointed out that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann had also written to the Centre regarding these funds. “Punjab cannot recover from this crisis without its rightful share. The Union Government must release the stalled amount immediately,” he said.
Flood Impact on Punjab’s Economy
Punjab has faced one of its worst floods in decades. According to estimates shared by Arora, over 4.5 lakh acres of farmland have been submerged. More than three lakh livestock have been affected, while hundreds of homes have been destroyed.
The minister stressed that the state’s economy, already struggling, now needs urgent financial support. “Punjab has always contributed to India’s food security. Now it is time for the Centre to stand with Punjab during this natural disaster,” he said.
Criticism of BJP Leaders and Centre’s Silence
Arora accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leadership of treating the tragedy as a photo opportunity rather than a humanitarian crisis. He criticised the silence of Punjab’s BJP leaders, urging them to advocate for a special relief package instead of “flood tourism.”
He further said the Centre’s reluctance to announce a significant relief package reflected a “step-motherly attitude” towards Punjab. “This is the time for concrete action, not token gestures,” he stated.
AAP Government’s Stand with the People
Arora reaffirmed that the AAP-led Punjab Government remains committed to helping flood victims and rebuilding the state. He said rehabilitation measures are underway, but external assistance from the Centre is crucial to speed up recovery.
“We are firmly with the people of Punjab and will continue to press the Union Government to extend support. Punjab’s voice must be heard at the highest levels,” he assured.