Chandigarh, Gurdaspur, September 8 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s much-anticipated visit to flood-hit Punjab on Tuesday is being viewed as a critical moment for the state’s relationship with the Centre and for the BJP’s political strategy in the region. Expectations of a relief package are running high, even as the Centre faces criticism for its delayed response to the disaster.
The visit comes after Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during a two-day tour of Punjab, blamed illegal mining on riverbeds for worsening the floods. His remarks added to the political tussle, with the state government accusing the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) of failing to stagger water releases that caused breaches and overflows.
Punjab Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Aman Arora urged the Prime Minister to announce a ₹20,000-crore relief package. “The state government and the people of Punjab will welcome the Prime Minister with humility and folded hands — but they expect immediate relief,” he said. “If you can send aid to the Taliban in Afghanistan, why not to Punjab?”
Farmer organisations are pressing for far larger support. Groups including the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (non-political) and the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) have demanded a relief package of at least ₹1 lakh crore. Their leaders said they will refrain from protests during the PM’s visit but will decide future actions based on what he announces.
Jagjit Dallewal of SKM expressed disappointment that Modi had not spoken about the floods until now. “Punjab needs an unprecedented financial package — interim relief for damaged houses, shops, livestock including horses and goats, compensation for the deceased, and jobs for affected families,” he said.
KMM leader Sarwan Singh Pandher said immediate, short-term and long-term support must be considered. “The immediate losses are visible, though exact estimates are being compiled. Future crop losses and the high cost of de-silting fields must also be taken into account,” he added.
Both Pandher and Dallewal demanded a loan repayment waiver for farmers. “This should be announced without delay,” they said. Farmers are also demanding a probe into what they claim are the man-made causes of the disaster. Pandher alleged that poor planning aggravated the flooding. “The Bharat Mala project disrupted the natural drainage system. Additionally, dam management released massive quantities of water at once — it should have been staggered,” he said, calling for permanent river embankments. “Remember, the rains will come again next year. We must prevent future floods.”
