NewKerala.com

Key Points

Punjab BJP has accused the AAP government of presenting irrational data to secure central flood relief funds. Party chief Sunil Jakhar revealed contradictory damage figures of Rs 13,289 crore and Rs 20,000 crore presented to different authorities. He exposed that Rs 12,000 crore received from the Centre under SDRF remained unutilized for flood mitigation. The BJP leader also challenged the state government's claim of Rs 60,000 crore central dues as completely baseless.

Key Points: Punjab BJP Accuses AAP Govt of Irrational Flood Data for Central Aid

  • BJP reveals AAP presented Rs 13,289 crore and Rs 20,000 crore damage figures simultaneously
  • Exposes Rs 12,000 crore SDRF funds squandered on publicity instead of flood mitigation
  • Questions why Rs 60,000 crore central dues claim wasn't raised in GST meeting
  • Highlights only Rs 6,800 per acre paid despite CM's Rs 15,000 compensation promise
3 min read

Punjab BJP blames govt for presenting irrational data to secure central aid for floods

Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar slams AAP government for presenting contradictory flood damage figures to secure central relief funds while failing to utilize existing allocations properly.

"Repeating the same lie over and over doesn't make it true. - Sunil Jakhar"

Chandigarh, Sep 10

Punjab BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar, on Wednesday, launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of presenting irrational data to secure central aid, which is ultimately harming the people now and will continue to do so in the future.

Despite this, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has provided Rs 1,600 crore immediate relief to the state and assured further assistance upon receiving additional proposals.

Targeting AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal, BJP leader Jakhar said, "Repeating the same lie over and over doesn't make it true."

He added that such baseless and factually inaccurate reports have sidelined Punjab's real issues.

BJP leader Jakhar told the media that the Chief Secretary KAP Sinha, claimed damages of Rs 13,289 crore before the Prime Minister, while Punjab Revenue Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian pegged the figure at Rs 20,000 crore.

"This arbitrary presentation of figures reflects the AAP government's irresponsible approach."

The State BJP Chief said that the Punjab government demanded Rs 5,043 crore for rural development in flood-affected villages where as in 2022-23 it spent only Rs 1,156 crore in all 13,500 villages, while in 2023-24 it spent Rs 778 crore.

Similarly, over the past three-and-a-half years the AAP government spent just Rs 500 crore on roads through the Punjab Mandi Board, he added.

The AAP government now demanded Rs 1,022 crore for repairing just flood-affected village roads, despite recently announcing that Rs 800 crore would be used to repair 8,000 km of rural roads, he said.

These contradictory and baseless figures expose the state government's theatrics and lack of seriousness, BJP leader Jakhar added.

Challenging Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's claim that the Central government owes Punjab Rs 60,000 crore, calling it "absolutely a bogus claim", he said.

He questioned the Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema that if state government really believes that Central government owes Punjab Rs 60,000 crore then why he did not raise this issue during the GST Council meeting on September 3.

Quoting Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal, BJP leader Jakhar said the state government's claim that Rs 230 crore received from the Centre was spent on flood management before the monsoon.

He added that the state government's failure to utilise these funds properly led to widespread devastation in Punjab.

BJP leader Jakhar highlighted that Rs 12,000 crore of SDRF received from the Centre has not been utilised for flood mitigation efforts but has been squandered on publicity stunts and other purposes.

By citing regulations, the state government is now trying to cover up its mismanagement.

He said that in 2023, CM Mann announced Rs 15,000 per acre as compensation, but only Rs 6,800 was disbursed which it received from the Central government.

The Chief Minister must now clarify the source of the promised Rs 20,000 per acre compensation, he added.

- IANS

Share this article:

Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As a Punjabi, I'm deeply disappointed. Flood victims are suffering while politicians play blame games. Both state and central governments need to work together for people's welfare, not political point scoring.
S
Sarah B
The conflicting damage figures from different state ministers (₹13,289 crore vs ₹20,000 crore) show complete lack of coordination. How can we trust any of these numbers? Proper assessment needed!
Aman W
Modi government already gave ₹1600 crore immediate relief. Instead of gratitude, AAP is making false claims. Punjab needs development, not politics. Centre has always supported states during disasters.
N
Nisha Z
The compensation promise of ₹15,000 per acre but only ₹6,800 disbursed shows how farmers are being cheated. Our agricultural community deserves better treatment from both state and centre. 🚜
M
Michael C
While I understand the political tensions, the people suffering from floods need immediate help, not political rhetoric. Both parties should focus on relief work rather than blame games.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50