Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema sharply criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi for "neglecting" the state’s unprecedented flood crisis, accusing the BJP-led central government of indifference.

Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Cheema condemned union Home Minister Amit Shah for failing to assure the release of ₹60,000 crore in pending funds or a relief package, despite Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann’s appeal.

Cheema expressed dismay over Punjab BJP leaders, including state president Sunil Jakhar, working president Ashwani Sharma, and union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu, for prioritizing political rallies in Samrala over pressing the Centre for aid. He called their actions “shameful” amid Punjab’s worst floods in four decades, which have ravaged districts like Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Kapurthala, and Jalandhar, claiming 29 lives and causing widespread damage.

Highlighting the state’s efforts, Cheema presented a ₹50 lakh cheque from the Excise and Taxation Department to the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, emphasizing the Punjab government’s commitment to relief and rehabilitation. He reiterated Mann’s request to amend rules under the State and National Disaster Response Funds for adequate victim compensation. Cheema also recalled Punjab’s historical resilience during wars in 1962, 1965, 1971, and 2025, lamenting the Centre’s apathy toward the state’s current plight.

The minister praised AAP Punjab president Aman Arora for mobilizing party leaders to assist affected communities and confirmed that deputy commissioners are actively assessing damages, with immediate focus on delivering relief and continuing rescue operations. Cheema urged the Centre to fulfill its constitutional and moral duty to support Punjab’s flood-affected citizens.