Did Punjab CM stage a drama to cover up flood relief failures?
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Synopsis
Sukhbir Badal, President of SAD, claims Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann staged a session to distract from his failure to support flood-hit farmers. While visiting flood-affected areas, Badal criticized AAP's handling of disaster relief funds and demanded accountability for mismanagement of water resources. This article delves into the political implications of these claims.
Key Takeaways
- Sukhbir Badal accuses Bhagwant Mann of failing to provide flood relief.
- 200 trolleys of maize silage were sent to assist flood-affected villages.
- Compensation for crop damage has been criticized as insufficient.
- Accountability for water management issues is demanded from senior officials.
- Political implications of disaster management are highlighted.
Chandigarh, Sep 27 (NationPress) President of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Sukhbir Badal, stated on Saturday that Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann performed a charade in a specially arranged Vidhan Sabha session to conceal his profound failures in allocating any funds for farmers and laborers affected by floods.
During his visit to the severely flood-impacted regions of the Ajnala constituency, Badal initiated the dispatch of 200 trolleys filled with maize silage aimed at assisting 100 villages suffering from the floods.
He informed the press that rather than utilizing the special session to expand compensation for all crops devastated by the floods and ensuring that compensation is not restricted to five acres per farmer, along with an increase to Rs 50,000 per acre, the Chief Minister opted to squander crores on a propaganda stunt.
“The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has made history as the first ruling party in Punjab to protest in the well of the House against the Central government. This tactic was employed to deflect the responsibility of aiding flood-affected farmers, laborers, and homeowners to the Centre. While it is acceptable to demand sufficient compensation from the Centre, the AAP government should first distribute the Rs 12,000 crore State Disaster Response Fund currently at its disposal to the flood victims before seeking additional support from the Centre,” he remarked.
Badal criticized the approach taken in setting compensation norms designed to deprive farmers of fair compensation, stating, “Initial compensation has been set at just Rs 20,000 per acre for crop damage. It is unlikely that farmers will even receive this amount as the Revenue Department staff has been instructed to approve only 25% and 50% damage claims, thereby restricting compensation to between Rs 2,000 and Rs 5,000 per acre.”
Additionally, Badal insisted that accountability for the mismanagement surrounding the Ranjit Sagar dam and Shahpur barrage should be assigned at the highest levels, rather than targeting junior engineers. He demanded transparency regarding who permitted water to accumulate for 20 days during monsoon season before releasing it all at once after surpassing the danger level.
“This sudden release of 2.5 lakh cusecs of water over three days catastrophically destroyed crops across vast acres of land,” he stated, adding that the gates of the Shahpur barrage also collapsed due to the criminal negligence of the AAP government.
Point of View
This situation highlights the urgent need for transparency and accountability in disaster management. The allegations made by Sukhbir Badal reflect a broader concern regarding the handling of public funds and the responsibilities of government officials during crises. It is essential for the government to prioritize the welfare of its citizens, especially in times of natural disasters.
NationPress
27/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What did Sukhbir Badal accuse CM Bhagwant Mann of?
Sukhbir Badal accused CM Bhagwant Mann of staging a session in the Vidhan Sabha to divert attention from his failure to allocate funds for flood-affected farmers and laborers.
What compensation is being offered to farmers for crop damage?
Currently, compensation has been set at Rs 20,000 per acre for crop damage, but it is expected that farmers may receive much less due to restrictive claims.
What is the State Disaster Response Fund amount?
The State Disaster Response Fund amounts to Rs 12,000 crore, which Sukhbir Badal insists should be utilized before seeking additional support from the Central government.
What event does Badal criticize regarding water management?
Badal criticized the abrupt release of 2.5 lakh cusecs of water from the Ranjit Sagar dam, which he claims led to widespread destruction of crops.
What are the key demands made by Sukhbir Badal?
Badal demands that compensation norms be revised to benefit all farmers and that accountability for mismanagement of water resources be established at higher levels of government.
