In flood-hit Punjab, Arvind Kejriwal promises ‘maximum’ relief

AAP national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday visited flood-hit areas of Sultanpur Lodhi in Kapurthala.

Kejriwal said, “Maximum relief will be provided to the flood victims and no one will be left without assistance.”

Terming the 2025 Punjab floods the state’s biggest in the past 37 years, Kejriwal said, “The Centre, which is assisting earthquake victims in Afghanistan, must step in with aid as Punjab is our own.”

He highlighted the resilient spirit of Punjab, saying Punjabis had risen to the occasion and were actively helping those affected by the floods.

A couple of days ago, former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia had visited Sultanpur Lodhi to take stock of the flood situation.

Kejriwal said as many as 1,400 villages and three lakh people had been affected by the floods. He said crops on 4.5 lakh hectares had suffered extensive damage.

He said senior officers had been appointed in each village to ensure that the needy received immediate help.

Speaking to the media, Kejriwal said, “We just saw the Centre extending help to earthquake victims in Afghanistan, which is a very good thing. Everyone across the world must be helped during difficult times. But Punjab is our own. I hope the Centre extends help to Punjabis as well.”

He said, “From Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to ministers and MP Balbir Singh Seechewal, everyone is assisting in the relief work.”

Kejriwal said, “It is heartening to see people standing up for their neighbours. Whenever there has been an attack on India or the country has faced a food crisis, Punjab has risen to the occasion. The same is visible today.”

On Mann, Kejriwal said, “The CM has been visiting flood-affected areas daily and is unwell. However, even in sickness, his thoughts are with the people of Punjab.”

Kejriwal was accompanied by Cabinet ministers Aman Arora and Mohinder Bhagat, MP Seechewal and DC Amit Kumar Panchal, among others.