Punjab BJP Chief Demands CM Mann Apologise Over Unused SDRF Funds

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of misleading the public about the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF), citing a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report that revealed Rs 9,041.74 crore remained unutilised as of March 31, 2023. Jakhar criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for violating central guidelines by failing to invest these funds appropriately and demanded an apology to Punjab’s residents, along with better management of disaster relief resources.

Jakhar claimed that Punjab received additional SDRF allocations for 2023-24, 2024-25, and 2025-26, totalling Rs 12,000 crore, which he alleged remains largely unused. He pointed to a recent press conference where Mann’s chief secretary indirectly acknowledged the issue, with ministers also admitting to the unspent funds. Jakhar urged Mann to prioritise effective utilisation to support disaster-affected communities.

The controversy intensified after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced an additional Rs 1,600 crore for flood-hit Punjab on Tuesday, alongside the existing Rs 12,000 crore. The AAP government stated it received Rs 1,582 crore from the Centre since April 2022, spending Rs 649 crore. Opposition parties, including the BJP, have questioned the state’s handling of the larger SDRF amount, demanding transparency on its usage.

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This political dispute underscores broader concerns about disaster management in Punjab, where recurring floods necessitate robust relief measures. The opposition’s push for accountability highlights the need for clear communication and efficient fund deployment to address the state’s ongoing challenges.

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