Badal Criticizes Punjab Government Over Flood Response Failures

Amritsar witnessed a significant political response as Sukhbir Singh Badal, president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), publicly criticized the Bhagwant Mann government for its handling of the recent flood crisis. During a ceremonial prayer, or ardas, at Akal Takht, Badal expressed gratitude for the revocation of the controversial land pooling policy while simultaneously warning of potential political agitation if the government fails to deliver promised compensation to flood-affected individuals.

Speaking to the media, Badal attributed the current flooding issues to both natural factors and government negligence. He emphasized that while rainfall contributed to the crisis, the primary responsibility lies with the Punjab government, led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). “Every year, when Parkash Singh Badal was chief minister, we conducted a thorough review of all embankments four months prior to the monsoon season,” Badal stated. He noted that funds were allocated for strengthening embankments and deepening riverbeds, which significantly mitigated flood risks.

In sharp contrast, Badal claimed that under Bhagwant Mann, no preparatory meetings have taken place in the four years leading up to the monsoon. He asserted that no funds were allocated for maintenance, no cleaning efforts were undertaken, and critical repairs to embankments were neglected. This lack of action, according to Badal, resulted in riverbeds becoming silted, raising their levels and exacerbating flood damage.

Badal urged the Mann government to mobilize all relevant departments, including the Punjab Police, to reinforce embankments and evacuate vulnerable villagers. He highlighted the urgent need for action, stating, “Diseases are spreading, animals are dying.” The SAD president issued a stark warning: if the government does not provide compensation for crop losses and livestock deaths, the party will regroup in one month to determine the next steps. “We will ensure this government bows before the people of Punjab, just as it did during the land pooling issue,” Badal asserted.

The political climate in Punjab remains charged as communities grapple with the aftermath of the floods and the government’s response to the crisis. The SAD’s commitment to advocating for the affected populations signals a potential escalation in political tensions if the government does not act swiftly to meet its commitments.