Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of insulting Punjab and its people during his recent visit to the state.
Cheema alleged that when Punjab cabinet minister Hardeep Mundian described the ₹1600 crore relief package as insufficient, the Prime Minister responded, “You don’t understand Hindi.” Cheema said the remark was disrespectful not only to Punjab but also to the Punjabi language.
“It is clear that the hatred for Punjab is not over in the Prime Minister’s heart. They are taking revenge for the farmers’ agitation,” Cheema said, adding that PM Modi should reflect on “how to remove hatred for Punjab from his heart.”
The finance minister said the state government had demanded an immediate relief package of ₹20,000 crore to cover flood damages, but only ₹1600 crore was announced. He also questioned whether the amount would be used for crop losses or for damage to homes and infrastructure.
Cheema further said the Prime Minister had claimed Punjab had ₹12,000 crore in funds lying with the state, but using the amount would force the government to pay interest separately next year.
He also criticised the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, saying its rules were too complicated and its portal often remained non-functional, depriving people of the benefits.
