Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring demanded that the catastrophic floods ravaging Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu and Kashmir be declared a “national calamity” to unlock urgent central aid and resources. In a fiery statement, Warring accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of failing miserably in providing relief and rehabilitation to flood-affected communities, while also questioning Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s absence from the crisis-hit regions.

In a post on X, Warring challenged Modi’s priorities, asking, “Shouldn’t Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji visit Punjab’s flood-hit areas? Now that he’s back from the SCO summit, we urge him to announce an immediate flood relief package.” The Ludhiana MP highlighted the unprecedented scale of destruction caused by the swollen Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers, fueled by heavy rainfall in their catchment areas in Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir. The floods have submerged vast swathes of farmland, homes, and infrastructure, displacing thousands and claiming numerous lives across the three states.

Warring also took aim at AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal, questioning his absence from Punjab during the crisis. “Where is Arvind Kejriwal? Is Punjab only a cash cow for AAP’s election campaigns and publicity stunts?” he asked, noting Kejriwal’s frequent visits to the state during election periods. Warring accused the AAP government of neglecting flood victims, failing to provide adequate shelter, food, or medical aid, and leaving local administrations overwhelmed by the scale of the disaster.

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The Congress leader emphasized that declaring the floods a national calamity would enable a coordinated response, including financial assistance, reconstruction funds, and deployment of additional resources like the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF). He pointed to the devastating impact on Punjab’s agrarian economy, with crops destroyed and livestock losses mounting, exacerbating the plight of farmers already grappling with economic challenges.

Warring’s remarks have resonated with affected communities, who have voiced frustration over delayed relief efforts. The Punjab Congress has vowed to raise the issue in Parliament and press the central government for immediate action. As the floods continue to wreak havoc, Warring called for unity across party lines, urging both state and central governments to prioritize the needs of the people over political posturing. The demand for a national calamity declaration has sparked a broader debate on disaster management in India, with all eyes on New Delhi’s response to the escalating crisis.

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