SAD Leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal Seeks Judicial Probe into Rs 12,500 Crore Flood Fund
Chandigarh: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and Bathinda MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal has demanded a judicial investigation into the alleged misappropriation of the Rs 12,500-crore State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). Speaking in Parliament on Wednesday, Badal asserted that farmers in Punjab did not receive a single rupee in compensation for the devastating floods that struck the state in 2025, despite central government assurances.
Allegations of Fund Misuse and Flood Tourism
Participating in a discussion on agricultural demands, the MP revealed that crops across four lakh acres of land were destroyed during the Punjab floods. Following this catastrophe, the Centre announced that farmers would receive compensation totaling Rs 12,500 crore, which was reportedly allocated to the state under the SDRF. "However, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government turned around and claimed it did not have these funds," Badal stated, highlighting a significant discrepancy.
She further criticized what she described as "flood tourism" by Union ministers, noting that twenty ministers visited Punjab during the floods and promised assistance. "Their visits amounted to little more than photo opportunities, with no tangible help reaching the affected farmers," she alleged, emphasizing the need for accountability.
BBMB Mismanagement and Water Rights Issues
Badal also pointed to mismanagement by the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) during the flood crisis. She explained that Punjab currently lacks representation on the BBMB, which she believes led to poor decision-making. "The board failed to accurately assess the situation, resulting in unplanned water releases from the Bhakra dam that exacerbated the flooding last year," she said.
To prevent future such incidents, the SAD leader demanded that Punjab be reinstated with due representation on the BBMB to safeguard its interests. Additionally, she called for the restoration of Punjab's river water rights under the Riparian Principle, alleging that half of the state's river waters have already been diverted to Rajasthan. "There are now efforts to release more water to Haryana through the Satluj Yamuna Link (SYL) canal, further threatening Punjab's agricultural sustainability," she warned.
Broader Agricultural Demands and International Impact
Expanding on her agricultural concerns, Badal demanded the full implementation of the Swaminathan report, specifically advocating for Minimum Support Price (MSP) to be calculated using the C2 plus 50 percent formula. This approach ensures farmers receive a 50 percent profit over the comprehensive cost of production, which she argued is essential for their financial security.
The MP also addressed the impact of the Iran-Israel conflict on Indian agriculture, noting that basmati cargo worth Rs 4 lakh crore is currently stuck in transit. She urged the central government to take immediate steps to ensure this cargo reaches its destinations. Furthermore, she questioned the government's preparedness for a potential shortfall in urea fertilizer imports from Iran, asking what measures are being taken to mitigate this risk.
Critique of Agricultural Budget and Subsidy Cuts
In her concluding remarks, Badal criticized the central government's agricultural budget, highlighting a contradiction in its policies. "How can farmers' income be doubled when the share of the agriculture sector in the national budget has been halved and the fertilizer subsidy has been slashed by Rs 15,679 crore?" she questioned, calling for a reevaluation of priorities to truly support the farming community.
Her comprehensive demands underscore ongoing challenges in Punjab's agricultural sector, from local governance issues to international trade disruptions, emphasizing the need for transparent and effective policy interventions.
