"Grave Injustice": Rahul Gandhi Writes To PM On Relief Package For Punjab
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking a comprehensive relief package for Punjab, stating that the state has suffered an estimated loss of at least Rs 20,000 crore due to floods.
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Congress leader Rahul Gandhi highlighted community efforts in supporting flood victims during crisis. (File)
New Delhi:
Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi has addressed a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi requesting a comprehensive relief package for Punjab, highlighting that the state has endured an estimated loss exceeding Rs 20,000 crore due to devastating floods. Gandhi criticized the union government's initial relief of Rs 1,600 crore as doing "grave injustice" to Punjab's residents.
Following his visit to the flood-affected regions, Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, described witnessing devastating destruction and its humanitarian impact. He noted that more than four lakh acres of paddy crops have been destroyed and over 10 lakh animals have died.
The Congress leader emphasized that during Punjab's time of hardship, both the Central government and Indian citizens must stand in solidarity with every farmer, soldier, and family in the state.
"I am writing regarding the catastrophic floods that have devastated Punjab. During my recent visit, I witnessed the shocking destruction and its human toll. Over 4 lakh acres of paddy crops have been destroyed, and more than 10 lakh animals have perished. Lakhs of people, predominantly from marginalized communities, have lost their homes. The floods have also made vast areas of land uncultivable for the foreseeable future. Even today, thousands of acres remain submerged and numerous villages remain isolated," Rahul Gandhi stated in his Tuesday letter.
He commended community efforts that provided assistance to those in need.
"Despite this crisis's severity, I observed humanity at its finest. Communities united to support those who lost everything. People welcomed strangers into their homes and shared what little they had. Their generosity and determination to help, often at significant personal risk, was admirable," he said.
Rahul Gandhi stated that the situation necessitates a stronger financial response from the Central government.
"The 1,600 crore initial relief announced by the union government does grave injustice to Punjab's people. Estimates indicate the state has suffered losses of at least Rs 20,000 crore. This emergency requires a more substantial response. I urge the government to expedite damage assessment and provide a comprehensive relief package," he said.
"Punjab will overcome this challenge. In their time of need, we must reassure every farmer, every soldier, and every family in Punjab that India stands with them. We must unite and extend all possible support to help rebuild their future," he added.
PM Modi visited Punjab on September 9 to assess the flood situation and damage resulting from cloudbursts and heavy rainfall in affected regions.
He conducted an aerial survey of flood-affected areas and held an official review meeting in Gurdaspur with government officials and elected representatives.
He announced financial assistance of Rs. 1600 crore for Punjab in addition to the Rs 12,000 crore already allocated to the state.
The government stated there would be an advance release of the second installment of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.
PM Modi also visited Himachal Pradesh on September 9 to evaluate flood damage caused by cloudbursts, rainfall, and landslides in affected areas.
He announced financial assistance of Rs. 1500 crore for Himachal Pradesh. The government stated there would be an advance release of the second installment of SDRF and PM Kisan Samman Nidhi.