High hopes of flood relief package on PM Modi's Punjab visit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s much-awaited visit to the flood-affected areas of Punjab on Tuesday — with hopes of an announcement of a relief package — is expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the state’s relationship with the Centre. It will also influence the dynamics between farmers and the Central Government, and outline the BJP’s roadmap to gain political ground in Punjab.

The Centre has already faced criticism for its delayed response to the flood-situation. Additionally, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, during his two-day visit to Punjab, attributed the disaster to illegal mining on riverbeds — further fuelling controversy.

Punjab Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) president Aman Arora set the tone for the state government today by urging PM Modi to announce a Rs 20,000-crore relief package for the flood-hit state during his visit.

Arora stated that the state government and the people of Punjab would welcome the Prime Minister with humility and folded hands — but they expect immediate relief. “If you can send aid to the Taliban in Afghanistan, why not to Punjab?” he asked.

The PM’s observations during the visit will be crucial — not only for deciding the relief package but also for understanding the cause of floods and planning future prevention. The state government has blamed mismanagement by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), which allegedly failed to stagger the release of water, leading to breaches and overflow. In contrast, the Centre has blamed the state government, citing illegal mining that weakened river embankments and caused flooding.

Farmer organisations, including the SKM (non-political) and KMM, have demanded relief of at least Rs 1 lakh crore. Unlike previous protests against BJP leaders, they are not planning any demonstrations during the PM’s visit.

Farmer leaders Sarwan Singh Pandher of the Kisan Mazdoor Morcha (KMM) and Jagjit Dallewal of the SKM (non-political), speaking separately to The Tribune, said they would not wear black flags or stage protests during the visit. “We will decide our action plan based on the Prime Minister’s announcements,” they said.

Dallewal expressed disappointment that the PM had not yet commented on the Punjab floods. “Punjab needs an unprecedented financial package from the Centre — interim relief for damaged houses, shops, livestock including horses and goats, compensation for the deceased, and jobs for affected families,” he said.

Pandher emphasised the need for immediate, short-term and long-term relief. “The immediate losses are visible; though exact estimates are being compiled. We are also collecting independent reports. The Centre must consider future crop losses and the high cost of de-silting fields,” he added.

Farmers are also demanding a thorough investigation into the real causes of the floods.

Pandher claimed the disaster was man-made, not natural.

“The Bharat Mala project disrupted the natural drainage system, contributing to flooding. Additionally, dam management released massive quantities of water at once — it should have been staggered,” he said.

He also called for concrete embankments along rivers. “Remember, the rains will come again next year. We must prevent future floods.”

Both Pandher and Dallewal demanded an immediate waiver of loan repayments. “This should be announced without delay,” they said.

Farmers are closely watching the PM’s visit, hoping it could help heal the long-standing conflict between farmer organisations and the BJP-led Central Government over the contentious farm laws.

Security forces are on high alert as the PM visits border districts. While defence forces monitor the border, heavy police deployment is in place in Gurdaspur and surrounding areas.

Memories of the security lapse during the PM’s visit to Ferozepur in January 2022 remain fresh. It is still unclear whether the PM will meet flood victims. So far, the itinerary includes an aerial survey and a meeting with Punjab government officials in Gurdaspur. DGP Gaurav Yadav is already stationed in Gurdaspur to oversee security arrangements.

“So far, the plan includes an aerial survey and a meeting at Tibri Army Cantonment. But the PM may opt for a land route as well. The police personnel are prepared for any change in plans,” said a senior police official.

Politically, the visit could shape the BJP’s future in Punjab. The party has made overtures to the Sikh community, especially after Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu — whose grandfather, former Punjab CM Beant Singh, was assassinated by terrorists in 1995 — supported the release of Bandi Sikhs, a stance he had previously opposed.

BJP leaders faced protests during the 2022 Assembly and 2024 Parliamentary elections. Party sources say workers are hopeful that the PM will announce a substantial relief package that could help BJP leaders gain public support in the next elections.