PM Modi's Punjab Flood Visit Sparks Debate: No Relief Package Announced, Says Minister Cheema

As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares for a crucial visit to the flood-devastated regions of Punjab, the air is thick with anticipation – and a notable undercurrent of concern. While the Prime Minister's presence is often seen as a beacon of hope for affected communities, state Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has cast a spotlight on a glaring issue: the conspicuous absence of a substantial central relief package.

In a candid statement, Minister Cheema expressed dismay that despite the extensive damage and the impending high-profile visit, the Union government has yet to announce any financial aid for the state.

He emphasized that he had personally engaged with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, passionately appealing for a special package to help Punjab recover from the devastating floods.

The scale of the disaster in Punjab is truly staggering, with initial estimates pegging the state's losses at a colossal Rs 15,000 crore.

Cheema unequivocally stated that such widespread destruction transcends typical state-level challenges, categorizing it as a "national disaster" that demands immediate and comprehensive support from the Centre. He underscored the critical need for financial assistance to rebuild infrastructure, revive agricultural sectors, and provide succour to countless affected families.

The Finance Minister also drew a stark comparison, pointing out that neighbouring Haryana had received a significant package following its own flood crisis.

This raises pertinent questions in Punjab: if Haryana could be supported, why is Punjab, grappling with similar or even greater devastation, still awaiting a concrete commitment? This sentiment echoes earlier appeals from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who had also penned a letter to the Prime Minister urging for urgent financial intervention.

Beyond the immediate flood relief, Cheema also touched upon the lingering issue of GST compensation, adding another layer to the state's financial challenges and its ongoing dialogue with the Centre.

The floods have ravaged vast tracts of agricultural land, destroying vital crops like rice, maize, and cotton, and impacting the livelihoods of countless farmers. They have also led to tragic loss of lives and livestock, compounding the humanitarian crisis.

While Union Home Minister Amit Shah had visited affected areas on July 11 and offered assurances of support, the ground reality, as highlighted by Minister Cheema, remains one of unmet financial expectations.

The people of Punjab, reeling from the floods' aftermath, are not just looking for a visit but for tangible, timely assistance to begin the arduous journey of recovery.

As PM Modi’s visit approaches, all eyes remain fixed on whether this high-level engagement will translate into the much-needed relief package that Punjab so desperately seeks, turning assurances into concrete action for a state grappling with profound losses.