Punjab Chief Minister's Strong Rebuke to Centre Over Flood Relief
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a scathing attack on the Central government Saturday, asserting that not a single rupee has been released for flood relief works in the state despite multiple announcements by Union ministers. The remarks came during a media briefing in Chandigarh where Mann expressed frustration over contradictory figures being quoted by different central ministers.
"We have not received a single penny from the Centre for flood relief," Mann stated emphatically. "These people should at least discuss the figure amongst themselves before making announcements. One minister says Rs 480 crore has been released, while another claims it's Rs 800 crore. Instead of spreading these lies, they should coordinate and present one consistent figure."
Union Ministers Treat Punjab as Tourism Destination
The Chief Minister accused Union ministers of treating Punjab as merely a tourism destination rather than taking the state's developmental needs seriously. "They come, enjoy makki di roti and sarson da saag, and then leave without addressing our genuine concerns," Mann remarked, highlighting what he perceives as superficial engagement from central leadership.
Mann emphasized that every state receives regular funds during disasters through established mechanisms, but Punjab was seeking a special package of Rs 1,600 crore that had been announced by the Prime Minister. "Even if they hadn't announced a special package, the routine disaster funds would have come automatically. But we're talking about the special package that was publicly announced," he clarified.
Political Dynamics and Infrastructure Concerns
The Chief Minister didn't mince words when discussing the power dynamics within the Central government, suggesting that only two individuals ultimately call the shots - an apparent reference to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah.
When questioned about Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini's criticism that Mann was "playing politics" over recent sports-related tragedies, the Punjab CM responded defiantly. "When we're in politics, what else should we do? During the India Against Corruption movement, they advised us to join politics since laws cannot be made by protesting on roads. Now that we've joined politics, they accuse us of doing politics," he countered.
Mann highlighted the recent deaths of two youths due to collapsing iron poles on basketball courts in Haryana, noting that another athlete had died in a similar incident in Bahadurgarh. "Will sportspersons return dead from the grounds?" he questioned, stressing the urgent need for improved sports infrastructure across the country.
Massive Road Development Initiative Announced
Shifting focus to development projects, Chief Minister Mann announced a massive road construction initiative spanning 44,920 kilometers across Punjab with an investment of Rs 16,209 crore. This represents the largest road project ever undertaken in the state's history.
The comprehensive project includes:
- Construction of 2,829 km of Public Works Department roads
- Development of 18,545 km of rural link roads
- Building 22,291 km of road stretches under Punjab Mandi Board
- Creating 1,255 km of urban roads under various civic bodies
The Chief Minister emphasized strict quality control measures, directing contractors not to compromise on material quality. "Villages will pass resolutions stating they are satisfied with the materials used for the roads, and only then will payments be released," Mann stated, introducing an innovative accountability mechanism.
Contractors awarded tenders will be responsible for maintaining the roads for five years, ensuring long-term durability. Mann confirmed that the Punjab government is funding these projects independently since the Centre has not released the state's rural development fund.
Commonwealth Games Preparation Concerns
Looking ahead to international sporting events, Mann expressed concerns about India's preparedness for hosting the 2030 Commonwealth Games. "Are we prepared? Or are we to face the same embarrassment again as we did last time when our roofs gave away and our swimming pools leaked?" he questioned, referring to infrastructure issues during the 2010 Commonwealth Games.
The Chief Minister's comprehensive media address covered multiple aspects of governance while maintaining a strong critique of the Central government's approach toward Punjab, particularly regarding flood relief and development funds.
