Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, today launched a blistering attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for its sheer apathy and gross incompetence in handling the aftermath of Punjab’s devastating floods.
Bajwa accused the state government of betraying the people’s trust by failing to even finalise the memorandum required to secure financial assistance from the Union Government. “The Union Home Ministry has already pulled up the Punjab government for its inability to provide even a basic, consolidated account of the losses incurred,” Bajwa said.
Citing recent reports, Bajwa noted that a high-level meeting convened on Monday to reconcile departmental loss estimates ended without any conclusion. “Different departments presented conflicting figures, completely undermining the earlier claim of ₹13,832 crore in damages made before the visiting central team. This isn’t mismanagement — it’s deliberate dereliction of duty,” he charged.
Bajwa also tore into the AAP government for launching Mission Chardi Kala and the Rangla Punjab Fund — what he termed “a gimmicky donation drive” — instead of fulfilling its constitutional responsibility of seeking structured relief from the Centre. “This government seems more interested in optics and fundraising than in governance. It’s a cruel joke on families who have lost their homes, crops, and livelihoods,” he said.
The Congress leader further accused the AAP regime of criminal negligence in pre-flood preparedness, pointing out that the administration ignored repeated warnings and failed to implement even basic flood-control measures.
“First, they ignored prevention. Now, they are sabotaging relief. This is not mere insensitivity — it’s a betrayal of Punjab’s people,” Bajwa declared. “How long must Punjabis suffer because of AAP’s arrogance and administrative paralysis?”
Calling upon the Chief Minister to act immediately, Bajwa demanded swift compensation, rehabilitation, and long-term recovery measures. “The people need help, not hollow slogans. The AAP government must stop insulting Punjab’s pain and start governing responsibly,” he concluded.