Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann Singh has criticised the BJP for not attending the martyrdom events at Anandpur Sahib, describing it as a blatant show of insensitivity. He also slammed the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), accusing them of a ‘family-centric’ politics that has persistently undermined Punjab’s spiritual legacy.
Taking a dig at the BJP, he slammed them for their absence and stated that this shows the senior party leaders’ insensitivity towards Punjab’s spiritual history.
Mann intensified his attack on the SAD, alleging that its leadership is guided by a narrow, family-driven agenda, pointing out that the party even nominated a relative of an alleged gangster in the Tarn Taran by-election.
Apart from it, CM Mann on Wednesday appreciated the attempts made by social and religious organizations along with volunteers, who worked tirelessly during the recent floods. He stated they uplifted the spirits of Punjabis, who will rise from all the adversaries hurled at them.
He stated that the state government has already started releasing the increased compensation of ₹20,000 per acre to farmers who suffered crop damage during the recent floods. He emphasised that the relief process is underway across affected regions, ensuring that farmers receive timely financial support.
Highlighting the significance of this measure, he noted that no other government in the country has offered such a high compensation amount for flood-related agricultural losses. According to him, this decision reflects the government’s commitment to standing firmly with the farming community during moments of crisis. He added that the enhanced assistance aims to help farmers recover quickly and rebuild their livelihoods after the heavy devastation caused by the floods.
He further noted that nearly 30,000 houses were damaged across Punjab, and 8,056 belonged to Gurdaspur alone. He assured that the compensation of 377 crores would be distributed on Wednesday to the bereaved families.
Mann announced that workers under MGNREGA are being assigned the task of building homes, providing them with employment, and 90-day wage benefits. This will uplift employment and provide a source to earn income at this catastrophe.
He noted that the recent floods caused damage exceeding ₹13,500 crore across the state and once again pressed the Union government to promptly release the ₹1,600-crore relief package that had been announced earlier.
