Punjab is currently reeling from the impact of catastrophic floods, which have displaced millions, destroyed crops, and severely impacted industries. In the face of this crisis, Punjabis hoped for a significant relief package from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. However, during his visit to Gurdaspur, the Prime Minister announced only ₹1,600 crores in aid. Furthermore, Modi’s remark, “Don’t you understand Hindi?” was widely interpreted as an insult to the Punjabi language and the people of Punjab, exacerbating the existing concerns.
When Disaster Management Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian expressed that the relief amount was inadequate, PM Modi’s response was laughter, followed by a reiteration of the ₹1,600 crore figure. Mundian’s response that the money was insufficient even if Hindi was understood highlighted the core issue. This exchange was perceived as the central government treating Punjab’s severe crisis lightly. Aman Arora, the AAP’s Punjab State President and Cabinet Minister, strongly criticized Modi’s actions. Arora stated that the aid was a cruel joke and that losses exceeded ₹20,000 crores. He further added that the Centre has withheld ₹60,000 crore in funds that must be released immediately. He stated that the Prime Minister’s visit was a collection of photo opportunities and political actions.
Water Resources Minister Barinder Goyal called the relief package a “big joke,” while Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said it was negligible. Even BJP’s own leader, Ravneet Bittu, admitted that Modi’s remark was insulting to the Punjabi language. The AAP government has once again demanded that the Centre announce a significant relief package to compensate for the losses and immediately release the withheld funds. The AAP government declared its continued support for all flood-affected families, its commitment to boosting the morale of farmers, and its dedication to protecting the pride of Punjabis, regardless of the response from the central government.
