SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal urges Punjab CM to redirect funds for flood relief

Dera Bassi, July 15: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has called upon Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to implement an immediate blanket ban on all state advertisements and tours using state aircraft. He urges the government to utilize the saved funds for providing necessary relief to individuals severely affected by continuous rains and floods.

During his visit to villages impacted by the breach in the Ghaggar and Jhirmal rivers in the Dera Bassi constituency, Sukhbir Badal emphasized the need for concrete assistance during these challenging times. He criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for allocating Rs 750 crore for advertising while also spending significant amounts on state aircraft primarily used for AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal's visits to different states to expand the party.

In light of the situation, Sukhbir Badal stressed the importance of putting a ban on advertisements and luxury expenses like helicopters and aircraft. Instead, he suggests redirecting those funds to compensate individuals whose houses have been damaged by rainwater and farmers whose crops have been destroyed.

He further highlights the significance of generating resources within the state, especially since the chief minister has recently stated that he would not seek financial assistance from the central government. Sukhbir Badal urges the government to cut down on extravagant expenditures and utilize the saved funds for flood relief efforts.

While visiting the villages of Sarseeni, Tiwana, and Alamgir, Sukhbir Badal interacted with farmers who expressed concerns about sand entering their fields due to flooding. He promptly addressed the issue, speaking with the Mining Officer and requesting that farmers be allowed to remove sand without facing harassment under the pretext of illegal mining.

Sukhbir Badal also appeals to the Punjabi community to contribute towards helping those affected by the floods, emphasizing that any contribution would be valuable. He mentions the proactive efforts of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee, which has been providing langar sewa (community kitchen) and medical care in affected areas for the past week.

Reiterating the need for swift relief distribution, Sukhbir Badal calls for providing Rs 5 lakh each to those whose houses have been destroyed and an interim relief of Rs 25,000 per acre for farmers whose paddy crops have suffered damage.

Accompanied by senior leader and former legislator N K Sharma, the SAD president continues his visit to assess the situation and advocate for prompt relief measures.

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- With inputs from agencies

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