Punjab floods: Sukhbir seeks Rs 20,000 crore relief package, complete loan waiver for farmers

He also accused the AAP AAP government of failing to provide compensation despite farmers suffering crop losses for three consecutive years

By: Express News Service

Jalandhar | Updated: September 8, 2025 06:25 AM IST

Singh recommended that Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar be involved in framing the relief package, citing his agrarian background (File Photo)

SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal Sunday demanded a Rs 20,000 crore package for flood relief and rehabilitation in Punjab, along with a complete waiver of farm loans—including those taken from banks and cooperative societies—for farmers and farm labourers.

Speaking to reporters ahead of PM Narendra Modi’s visit to the state, Badal said, “The nation owes it to the brave farmers of Punjab who ushered in the Green Revolution and made the state the food basket of the country. A Rs 20,000 crore package is necessary to compensate farmers for loss of crops and houses, as well as for relaying damaged roads and power infrastructure.”

He also accused the AAP AAP government of failing to provide compensation despite farmers suffering crop losses for three consecutive years. “The current damage has broken their back. They should be given a comprehensive loan waiver,” he said.

Also Read | Punjab floods | Against their capacity, state’s rivers ran heavy: Ravi, Beas bore the brunt this season

The SAD chief also announced that the party will hold an emergency meeting Monday to draw up a plan for clearing sand deposits from agricultural fields in flood-hit areas. “Farmers have the right to desilt their fields. I will lead this initiative and am ready to face any action to safeguard their interests,” he added.

Meanwhile Congress Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, ahead of the latter’s scheduled visit to Punjab on September 9, to release compensation for flood-hit families in Punjab immediately.

Singh recommended that Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar be involved in framing the relief package, citing his agrarian background.

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