Is Punjab AAP Exposing BJP's Misuse of SDRF?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- AAP Punjab counters BJP's claims about SDRF.
- Official data reveals total funds received and spent.
- Transparency and accountability emphasized by Harpal Singh Cheema.
- Political implications discussed amidst misleading narratives.
- Focus on aid for flood-affected individuals in Punjab.
Chandigarh, Sep 13 (NationPress) The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab on Friday responded to the misleading narratives propagated by BJP leaders concerning the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) by unveiling official statistics to back its assertions.
In a statement, Punjab Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticized the BJP for intentionally deceiving the public regarding disaster relief funds. “The reality is now available for the public to see, and every single rupee received and expended from the SDRF is transparent. Unlike the BJP, we prioritize transparency and accountability,” he stated.
Cheema detailed the precise allocation of funds received by the state government from the Government of India through the SDRF and the expenditures incurred since April 1, 2022.
For the fiscal year 2022-23, the state received Rs 208 crore and spent Rs 61 crore; in 2023-24, Rs 645 crore was received with Rs 420 crore spent; for 2024-25, Rs 488 crore was received and Rs 27 crore was expended; and for the fiscal year 2025-26, Rs 241 crore was received and Rs 140 crore was spent.
From April 1, 2022, to September 10, 2025, the government has received Rs 1,582 crore from the Government of India under the SDRF. Of this amount, Rs 649 crore has already been allocated for various relief and rehabilitation initiatives across the state, while the remaining SDRF funds are earmarked for ongoing and future relief operations to ensure prompt assistance to those affected by floods.
Cheema challenged the BJP leaders, stating, “Those who have never fought for Punjab and its rights have no ethical grounds to criticize us. They are conducting a malicious campaign, concealing the truth, and misleading the public during a crisis merely to gain political leverage. Such behavior is not only irresponsible but also shameful, even by the BJP’s standards.”
Cheema further urged the Punjab BJP leaders to cease their deceitful campaign and explain why the Centre has been withholding thousands of crores of the state’s rightful dues across various categories while attempting to fabricate a false narrative about the SDRF.