In a sharp political exchange, Punjab ministers Harpal Singh Cheema and Aman Arora have strongly criticized the central government’s financial assistance package for the flood-hit state. The ministers described the ₹1,600 crore announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “meagre,” “unjustified,” and a “paltry” amount in light of the estimated losses exceeding ₹20,000 crore.
Minister Aman Arora specifically took aim at the Centre’s assertion that Punjab’s ₹12,000 crore in the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) was sufficient. Arora argued that these funds are “shackled by the Centre’s own rules,” which he claimed provide “peanuts” in compensation to flood victims. He cited several examples of what he considers inadequate relief amounts, including ₹4 lakh for a life lost, ₹74,000 for disability cases, and a mere ₹2,500 for destroyed household essentials. He posed a poignant question, “Can ₹2,500 replace a lifetime of belongings washed away? Is this the value the BJP government places on the life and dignity of a Punjabi?”
Similarly, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema directed his criticism at the Prime Minister’s recent visit to the state. Cheema alleged that the Prime Minister’s visit was a “dramatic show” and that he chose to meet with his party workers rather than the flood-affected citizens. He suggested that if the PM’s only intention was to meet with BJP members, he could have done so in Delhi. Cheema labeled the relief package a “theatrical exercise devoid of empathy and substance.” He drew a sharp contrast between the quick sympathy and aid provided to Afghanistan and the “delayed, meagre assistance” given to Punjab after a 30-day silence. Cheema stated, “While the PM offered sympathy and aid to Afghanistan within hours, it took him 30 days to remember the people of Punjab who made immense sacrifices for our country.” The ministers’ comments underscore the growing political friction between the state and central governments over the handling of the flood crisis and the allocation of relief funds.
