Punjab is struggling to recover from devastating floods that have caused widespread damage, displacing residents and destroying crops and industries. Amidst this challenging situation, the people of Punjab were hoping for a significant relief package from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, during his visit to Gurdaspur, the announced aid amounted to only ₹1,600 crores, drawing strong criticism. Moreover, Modi’s statement, “Don’t you understand Hindi?” was seen as insensitive and disrespectful towards the Punjabi language and the people of Punjab.
When Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian expressed that the relief amount was too small, the Prime Minister’s response was dismissive, and he repeated the amount. This exchange was widely interpreted as the central government minimizing the severity of Punjab’s crisis. Aman Arora, the AAP’s Punjab State President and Cabinet Minister, stated that the aid was a cruel joke, especially considering the losses surpassed ₹20,000 crores. Arora also highlighted the alleged withholding of ₹60,000 crore in funds by the Centre, calling for their immediate release. He viewed the Prime Minister’s visit as primarily for photo opportunities and political purposes.
Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal described the relief package as a “big joke,” while Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticized its belated announcement and characterized it as a drop in the ocean. Even BJP leader Ravneet Bittu acknowledged that Modi’s remark was insulting to the Punjabi language, although he subsequently attempted to clarify his comments. The AAP government has reiterated its demand for a substantial relief package to address the extensive damages and for the immediate release of Punjab’s funds. The AAP government has pledged to provide unwavering support to the flood-affected, support farmers, and uphold the honor of Punjab.