Punjab's SDRF Scandal: BJP Demands CM Mann's Apology Over Alleged Fund Misuse

A political tempest is brewing in Punjab, threatening to engulf the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) unleashes a scathing attack, demanding an unequivocal apology from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The catalyst? A damning report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) that has reportedly unearthed glaring irregularities in the utilization of the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) during the devastating 2022 floods.

The CAG's audit, which has sent shockwaves through the state's political landscape, reportedly flags an alarming diversion of funds.

Out of a staggering Rs 93.60 crore allocated under SDRF for disaster response, a colossal Rs 83.47 crore—nearly 90%—was allegedly siphoned off for projects entirely unrelated to flood relief. Imagine, funds earmarked to alleviate the suffering of flood-ravaged communities reportedly building playgrounds and transforming villages into 'smart villages'.

The sheer audacity, according to the BJP, is breathtaking.

Sunil Jakhar, the Punjab BJP president, minced no words, lambasting the AAP government for what he termed a "fraud" perpetrated against the flood-hit populace. He asserted that the funds, desperately needed by farmers whose crops were decimated and homes submerged, were instead "misused for political gains and personal glorification." Jakhar's outrage resonates with the plight of countless individuals who faced unprecedented hardship, with many still grappling with the aftermath of the floods.

The BJP's allegations extend beyond mere financial impropriety.

They accuse the AAP government of a callous disregard for human suffering, pointing out that while the state languished under the deluge, the administration allegedly prioritized projects with questionable relevance over immediate relief and rehabilitation. The party spokesperson, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, further intensified the assault, directly challenging the government's claims of transparency and accountability.

Khaira highlighted the specific findings of the CAG report, emphasizing how funds intended for life-saving measures and infrastructure repair were diverted.

The report's revelations paint a stark picture: money meant for rebuilding lives and livelihoods seemingly redirected towards vanity projects. The BJP's stance is clear: this is not merely an accounting error but a severe breach of public trust, demanding immediate and severe consequences.

While the AAP government, through its Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, has previously attempted to dismiss such accusations by claiming the funds were used for necessary infrastructure and that the CAG report might be based on outdated data, the BJP remains unswayed.

They argue that regardless of the timeline, the core issue of fund diversion for purposes other than their intended use remains undeniable and unacceptable. The party insists that Chief Minister Mann must take direct responsibility for this alleged malfeasance and offer a public apology to the people of Punjab.

The political battle lines are sharply drawn.

With the CAG report now in the public domain, the pressure on the AAP government is immense. The BJP's relentless pursuit of accountability for the alleged misuse of disaster relief funds ensures that this controversy will continue to dominate Punjab's political discourse, casting a long shadow over the state's governance and its commitment to its citizens in times of crisis.