Punjab Flood Crisis: SAD Chief Sukhbir Badal Demands Rs 20,000 Crore Relief Package and Farm Loan Waiver
In the wake of devastating floods in Punjab, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal stepped up on Sunday to urge the central government for urgent help. Speaking to the media just before Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the state, Badal called for a massive Rs 20,000-crore package to support flood-hit farmers and workers. He also pushed for a full farm loan waiver for both farmers and ‘khet mazdoor’ (agricultural laborers) to help them bounce back from the disaster.
Badal highlighted Punjab’s vital role in India’s food security. "The nation owes it to our brave Punjab farmers who sparked the Green Revolution and turned the state into the country’s food basket," he said. "Now, in this tough time, we must stand by them." He explained that the package would cover crop losses, damaged homes, and repairs to roads and power lines wrecked by the floods. This demand comes as Punjab grapples with severe flood damage, affecting thousands of families and farmlands.
For the past three years, Punjab farmers have battled nature’s fury without much aid from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, Badal pointed out. "These floods have really broken their backs," he added. "It’s time for a complete loan waiver that includes debts from banks and cooperative societies." This push for Punjab flood relief underscores the growing frustration among farmers facing repeated hardships.
SAD isn’t just talking – they’re taking action. Badal announced an emergency party meeting to tackle the flood situation head-on. The party plans to roll out a big initiative to remove sand piled up in fields using heavy earth-moving machines and volunteers. They’ll assign duties across all flood-affected areas in Punjab to get things moving.
When asked if this might clash with government rules, Badal stood firm. "Farmers have every right to clean their own fields. I’ll lead this effort myself and face any consequences to protect their interests," he declared. His bold stance on farmer rights in Punjab could spark more discussions on flood recovery norms.
During his visit to Shahpur and Nakodar in Jalandhar district, Badal met directly with affected farmers. They shared heartbreaking stories of how the state government left them high and dry, forcing them to strengthen river embankments – or ‘bundhs’ – all by themselves. In response, Badal handed over Rs 15 lakh in cash to village committees for immediate relief work. He also donated 25,000 litres of diesel to bolster key bundhs at Gidderpindi, Darewal, Gatta Mundi, Kasi, and Thammuwal.
As Punjab flood updates continue to pour in, Badal’s demands highlight the urgent need for comprehensive support. With PM Modi’s visit on the horizon, eyes are on whether the central government will step in with the promised aid for these resilient farmers. Stay tuned for more on Punjab’s flood relief efforts.
