CHANDIGARH: Giving yet another wake-up call to awake the BJP led Centre Government from “deep slumber” ahead of the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to flood-affected areas of Punjab, Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party State President Mr. Aman Arora today made an appeal to come with Rs. 20, 000 crore relief package, citing that “mere flood tourism” won't suffice in addressing the state’s dire situation, which the state BJP leadership and Union Ministers had already over exploited the photo ops. The Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Punjab on Tuesday.
While addressing a press conference here at Punjab Bhawan, Mr. Aman Arora said, “On the behalf of over 3 crore citizens of Punjab, I warmly welcome Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi, who are coming to visit flood-affected areas of Punjab but I would humbly request him to not reduce the crisis to mere flood tourism for photo opportunities. The Prime Minister must come with Rs. 20, 000 crore package if he considers Punjab is the integral part of the India and he really cares about Punjab.”
Mr. Aman Arora also demanded the immediate release of Rs 60, 000 crore in stalled funds, which includes Rs 50, 000 crore in revenue losses due to implementation of GST regime and Rs 8, 000 crore withheld in Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF) during past three and half years. He highlighted that the Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann also wrote a letter to Centre Government to release the stalled funds. He also demanded a hike in flood compensation as over 4.50 lac acres of farmland has submerged, over 3 lac livestock have been affected and hundreds houses damaged by the recent devastating deluge.
He emphasised the need for a special relief package to support the state's flood-battered economy, considering Punjab's significant contributions to India's food security.
Accusing the Centre Government of step-motherly treatment towards Punjab, Mr. Arora questioned the silence of Punjab's BJP leaders during the crisis, suggesting they should focus on securing a special package for the state instead of just indulging in photo ops. He said that the state's dire situation demands concrete action, not just token gestures.
Mr. Aman Arora reaffirmed that the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government is firmly stand with the people of Punjab and taking every possible step to recuperate the state from this natural fury. He emphasised that the government will continue to advocate for the Centre's support and ensure that Punjab's voice is heard at the highest levels, pushing for the necessary relief and assistance to address the state's challenges.