Did the Opposition Play Politics During the Floods?
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Synopsis
Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal has accused the Opposition of politicizing flood situations and misleading the Assembly. This controversy arose during discussions on the state's rehabilitation efforts, as Goyal fought back against claims made by Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa. Discover the full story behind these political tensions in Punjab.
Key Takeaways
- Opposition accused of politicizing floods.
- Water release figures clarified by Goyal.
- Significant increase in irrigation under Mann's leadership.
- Farmers receiving canal water after decades.
- Call for accountability from Opposition leaders.
Chandigarh, Sep 29 (NationPress) Punjab Water Resources Minister Barinder Kumar Goyal stated in the Assembly that the Opposition engaged in political maneuvering during the recent floods, thereby misleading the legislative body.
In the ongoing discussion regarding the resolution titled "Rehabilitation of Punjab" during a special Assembly session, Goyal criticized the Opposition leaders, who have been in power for extended periods, for making unfounded accusations solely to gain political leverage.
Addressing the claims made by Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, who asserted that seven lakh cusecs of water were released from the Ranjit Sagar Dam, the Water Resources Minister clarified that the actual volume was approximately 2.15 lakh cusecs.
Minister Goyal accused LoP Bajwa of misleading the Assembly with false statements and insisted that he should both apologize and resign from his Assembly position.
He emphasized that the Congress party has consistently ignored the welfare of the Punjab populace, opting instead to engage in political theatrics.
Goyal pointed out that Bajwa visited the Madhopur headworks nearly a month after its breach, yet failed to acknowledge the department employee who lost his life while operating the gate, nor did he mention the 26 officials who were stranded at the site and required airlifting.
He further stated that Bajwa has falsely claimed about the non-cleaning of the Sakki nullah in Gurdaspur, while in fact, 20 panchayats in the area honored him during the Baba Gujjar Mela for his efforts in its cleaning.
Minister Goyal asserted that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's leadership, Punjab has seen an unprecedented scale of drain-cleaning operations not witnessed in the last 70 years.
Thanks to the state government’s initiatives, canal water has now reached even the most remote villages.
Before 2022, only 21 percent of the state's cultivable land was irrigated with canal water, but Mann's government has raised this to 64 percent, aiming for 76 percent by March 31, 2026.
Farmers, the Minister noted, are finally receiving canal water after 38 to 40 years, providing them with significant relief.
Point of View
I observe that the political discourse surrounding natural disasters often skews towards blame and accusation rather than constructive dialogue. In Punjab's case, the allegations made by both sides reflect a broader trend in politics where the focus shifts from the welfare of citizens to scoring political points. It is imperative for leaders to prioritize the needs of the people, especially in times of crisis.
NationPress
29/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What claims did Barinder Kumar Goyal make about the Opposition?
Goyal accused the Opposition of engaging in political tactics during the floods and misleading the Assembly with false claims about water release figures.
How much water was actually released from the Ranjit Sagar Dam?
Minister Goyal clarified that approximately 2.15 lakh cusecs of water was released, contrary to the Opposition's claim of seven lakh cusecs.
What did Goyal say about the Congress party's actions?
Goyal criticized the Congress party for ignoring the welfare of Punjab's citizens and engaging in political games instead.
What was the irrigation status before the Mann government?
Before 2022, only 21 percent of Punjab's cultivable land was irrigated with canal water, which has since increased to 64 percent.
What is the target for irrigation by 2026?
The Mann government aims to achieve 76 percent irrigation of cultivable land by March 31, 2026.
