CM being misled by advisers, says Dushyant on flood relief delays

Former Haryana Deputy Chief Minister Dushyant Chautala has accused the state government of negligence and delays in providing relief to farmers hit by recent floods and waterlogging.

Speaking after a JJP meeting on Tuesday, Chautala said, “Chief Minister Nayab Saini is being misled by his advisers. In 2023, we conducted crop damage surveys (girdawari) within seven days and gave compensation to farmers promptly. This time, the process has started late, and it could take over a month.”

He demanded that at least half the compensation for damaged tubewells and crops be given within a week. Calling for parity with neighbouring Punjab, he urged the government to provide Rs 21,000 per acre as compensation, compared to Punjab’s Rs 20,000 per acre.

Chautala questioned why the government has not released emergency funds to district officials. “In 2023, the Deputy Commissioners were given Rs 5 crore each for flood relief. Farmers were even supported with diesel to strengthen bundhs and stop flooding. This time, they were left waiting for help,” he said.

He also criticised poor stormwater management, noting that while Uttar Pradesh had strengthened Yamuna embankments, no such work was carried out along the Ghaggar in Haryana, leading to repeated flooding.

Turning to law and order, he claimed, “Haryana is witnessing over five murders a day and rising cases of extortion. There is no fear of law. The police system is failing.”

The JJP meeting, chaired by party chief Ajay Chautala, also reviewed preparations for the 112th birth anniversary of former Deputy Prime Minister Chaudhary Devi Lal on September 25. The party plans to hold 112 events across districts, including morning prayer meetings and honouring senior workers.

Chautala announced that 72 statues of Devi Lal will be installed across Haryana by September 23, with damaged ones repaired. Sirsa, Hisar and Rohtak districts will see the maximum installations.

On the INLD parallel event in Rohtak, he said: “They have my best wishes. Everyone respects Chaudhary Devi Lal. He was a national leader.”