Punjab floods: CM Mann govt in slumber, ensure interim relief for affected, BJP tells Guv

Earlier, Jakhar said that despite warnings of heavy rainfall, the AAP government “failed” to take steps to prevent huge losses caused by the floods.

“I have approached you to question this government on first plunging the state into disarray because of lack of foresight and planning; and at the same time ensure that this regime realises its responsibility of safeguarding those impacted, including our annadatas – the farmers, small household owners and shopkeepers in rural as well as urban pockets of our state,” Jakhar said in the memorandum.

“Millions have lost livelihood and need urgent assistance and medical help,” read the memorandum, adding that Governor “would appreciate” the serious concern “in right earnest as you have personally witnessed the situation on the ground by visiting flood-affected areas”.

Speaking to the media outside the Raj Bhawan after meeting Governor, Jakhar said floods do cause losses, but more loss was suffered due to the “negligence” of the AAP government, which failed to handle the flood situation and take steps on time.

Replying to a question on the tussle between the state government and the Raj Bhawan on various issues, including holding of a two-day Assembly session last month, Jakhar said causing confrontation was part of the AAP’s strategy. “People of Punjab (affected by floods) need help at this stage, but the state government wants to divert public attention. This confrontation is all a part of the SSP’s pre-planned strategy — be it in Delhi or in Punjab,” Jakhar claimed.

On the flood issue, Jakhar alleged that the government failed to take necessary measures, including cleaning of drains and strengthening embankments, that led to the flooding. “The CM did not even care to hold a customary flood preparation review meeting of his senior officers — a standard operating procedure done well before the onset of monsoon every year — and his administration kept itself completely insulated from all alerts being issued IMD,” he added.

Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar with other BJP leaders coming out from Punjab Raj Bhawan after meeting with Governor on Thursday in Chandigarh. (Express Photo by Kamleshwar Singh)

In several areas, there is a looming danger of the outbreak of diseases, the BJP leader said, adding the state government should wake up from its “deep slumber” and take necessary measures.

Meanwhile, in the memorandum, Jakhar said, “…crores of Punjabis have been left to fend for themselves by this grossly inept, incompetent and callous regime while their houses and fields are inundated by flood waters. The misery and hardship being endured by Punjabis is partly of this government’s own making, which is still in deep slumber and refuses to learn any lesson from plunging the state into one mess to another”.

The Punjab BJP chief also touched upon the revenue officials going on a pen-down strike, demanding an apology from a ruling AAP MLA for allegedly misbehaving with a tehsil office staff recently.

“As if this was not enough, the arrogant and power-drunk MLAs of the ruling dispensation have taken upon themselves to heap more misery on the people of Punjab by impeding any likely effort of financial and material help reaching the needy in time,” he alleged. Later, in the day Governor reached Jalandhar and held a meeting with officials to know about the current flood situation.

Officials informed Purohit that a survey was on and within next 15 days a report on damage due to floods will be submitted. On the basis of the report, due compensation will be provided to the affected families, officials said.
Accompanied by Principal Secretary Water Resources Krishan Kumar, Deputy Commissioner Vishesh Sarangal, SSP Mukhwinder Singh Bhullar and other officials, Governor also interacted with the people at Gidderpindi, one of the worst affected villages