Punjab Ministers Criticized for Luxury Cruise Chat During Flood Assessment

Three ministers from Punjab have sparked widespread criticism after a video surfaced showing them discussing luxury cruises during a tour of flood-affected areas. The incident took place in the Tarn Taran-Harike region, where the ministers were ostensibly assessing the impact of recent floods and planning relief efforts.

The video, which lasts 27 seconds and has been widely circulated on social media, features ministers Harbhajan Singh (Public Works Department and Power), Laljit Singh Bhullar (Transport and Hospitality), and Barinder Kumar Goyal (Water Resources, Mining, Soil and Water Conservation). As they navigated the disaster zone by boat, their conversation veered towards their past experiences on luxury cruises in Sweden and Goa.

During the discussion, Bhullar reminisced about his visit to Sweden, where he saw large cruise ships equipped with hotels and other opulent amenities. Goyal chimed in, noting the availability of similar cruises in Goa. This lighthearted exchange, rather than conveying a sense of urgency or compassion, has been criticized for its apparent insensitivity given the context of their surroundings.

Responses on social media have been overwhelmingly negative. One user expressed outrage, stating, “What a disgrace such leaders are; Punjabis will never forgive such a lack of empathy.” Another commented on the disconnect, saying, “The audacity of these so-called rulers. Talking of their fun trips while families in Punjab face dire situations is not ‘badlav’.”

Opposition leader Partap Singh Bajwa criticized the ministers on social media platform X, highlighting the stark contrast between their conversation and the plight of flood-hit families. “Flood-hit families in Punjab beg for a glass of drinking water, but Punjab ministers Barinder Goyal, Laljit Bhullar, and Harbhajan Singh found time to relive their golden memories of luxe cruises in Sweden and Goa. What a relief tour,” he remarked.

The incident raises questions about the priorities and awareness of government officials during times of crisis. As the ministers were meant to be conducting a serious assessment of flood damages, their casual discussion has been viewed as a glaring failure to connect with the needs of the community they serve.

Repeated attempts to reach an Aam Aadmi Party spokesperson for comment went unanswered. This incident underscores the importance of sensitivity and accountability among public officials, particularly when responding to natural disasters that deeply affect their constituents.