Punjab’s Leader of Opposition, Partap Singh Bajwa, has hit out hard at the central government for offering just Rs 1,600 crore as flood relief to the state. He calls this amount a “cruel joke” when Punjab has already faced massive losses of nearly Rs 20,000 crore from the devastating floods. That’s less than 8% of what the state really needs to recover, and Bajwa isn’t holding back in his criticism.
In a strong post on X, the Congress leader reminded everyone of Punjab’s huge contributions to India. “With only 2% of the country’s population, Punjab provides 15-19% of India’s wheat and 11-13% of its rice, keeping food security strong for millions,” he said. He also pointed out that nearly 8% of India’s soldiers come from Punjab, guarding the borders. From leading the Green Revolution that ended hunger in India to the sacrifices of Punjab’s people in the freedom struggle and wars like Kargil, the state has always put the nation first.
Bajwa stressed that Punjab has filled India’s granaries, sent brave soldiers to the frontlines, and driven national growth. But now, after one of its worst disasters with floods wrecking homes and farms, the Centre is giving “crumbs” instead of real help. “This isn’t just about money—it’s about dignity and justice,” he added. Farmers who fed the nation are now in ruins, and families of soldiers have lost everything. Punjab deserves fair treatment, recognition, and proper support, not some token aid.
On top of that, Bajwa is demanding the Union government release Rs 60,000 crore in pending funds owed to Punjab. This includes GST compensation, Rural Development Fund (RDF), and other central scheme dues. He believes these funds will give Punjab the financial boost it needs to rebuild lives, livelihoods, and infrastructure after the floods.
Finally, Bajwa urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to show true statesmanship. He wants the relief package revised to match the real scale of the flood damage in Punjab and the pending dues cleared right away. After all, the state that feeds and defends India shouldn’t be left alone in its toughest time.
