Party, govt fully prepared to tackle flood aftermath: AAP’s Sisodia

AAP leader and former Delhi education minister Manish Sisodia on Tuesday emphasised the need for a permanent solution to address the recurring floods in Sultanpur Lodhi, which has been ravaged by floods over the years. Sisodia is the first AAP national leader outside the state government to visit the flood-affected areas.

During his visit, Sisodia stated that the state government is working diligently to tackle the aftermath of the floods. He also expressed hope that the Centre will rise above politics and extend help to the state amidst the crisis. Accompanied by Rajya Sabha MP Balbir Singh Seechewal and AAP Sultanpur Lodhi halka in-charge Sajjan Singh Cheema, among others, Sisodia visited flood-affected villages in Sultanpur Lodhi.

Sisodia highlighted the collective efforts of the AAP party leadership, state government ministers, MLAs, and Seechewal’s volunteers in providing relief to the affected people. He praised the spirit of Punjab, evident in the way people are helping each other during the calamity. “It’s a natural disaster, so it’s difficult to say when the waters will recede,” Sisodia said. “The state government and AAP leadership, volunteers, MLAs, and Baba Ji’s followers are working with total dedication to serve each and every resident.”

Sisodia added, “Apart from the human and natural crisis, we are seeing how humans are helping each other amidst the calamity. This is what we call Punjabiyat, the spirit of Punjab.” He emphasised that the relief effort is a joint initiative by the government and society to help people. However, he noted that the real challenge will arise when the floodwaters recede, and the party and government are already making preparations for that.

Sisodia assured that the government is committed to taking steps to prevent the recurrence of floods and will seek guidelines from Seechewal for the same. Seechewal also raised the issue of debt-ridden farmers with Sisodia, requesting that their pending dues to banks be delayed for six months to a year in the wake of the floods. Sisodia assured that the issue will be taken up with the state government.