AAP slams Centre over SDRF fund release, says “Modi Govt rubbing salt on Punjab’s wounds”
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh,September 17, 2025: Hours after the Centre released the second installment of ₹240 crore to Punjab under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) for flood relief, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) hit out at the Modi government, calling the amount “grossly inadequate” and “akin to rubbing salt on Punjab’s wounds.”
According to AAP, Punjab has suffered losses of over ₹20,000 crore due to devastating floods, and the relief announced by the Centre does not match the scale of damage.
On Wednesday, the Union government released an advance installment of ₹240 crore for Punjab and ₹198 crore for Himachal Pradesh, based on the Home Ministry’s recommendations. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) was directed to credit the funds to state governments immediately to expedite relief operations in flood-hit areas.
AAP’s Reaction
- The AAP termed the relief package as “too little” and symbolic.
- Party leaders argued that the state’s massive losses required far greater assistance.
The Union government clarified that the allocated amount must be utilized strictly in accordance with SDRF and NDRF operational guidelines, framed on the recommendations of the 15th Finance Commission. This means the funds can only be spent on flood relief, rehabilitation, and related activities.
The war of words comes at a time when Punjab is still reeling from widespread flood destruction, with lakhs of affected residents waiting for timely government assistance.