Haryana CM alleges Punjab misused Centre's flood relief allocation

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday alleged that the Punjab government has misappropriated central funds allocated for flood relief and diverted them to other uses. According to Saini, the ₹1,600 crore in relief funds provided by the Centre for managing flood-related damages has not been utilized for their intended purpose.

Saini cited recent social media footage in which Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had committed to compensating flood victims comprehensively for all losses incurred during the calamity. The Haryana CM's remarks suggest a gap between the promises made to affected residents and the actual deployment of available resources.

The allegations add to mounting tensions between the two neighbouring states over disaster management and relief distribution. Officials in Punjab have not immediately responded to the charges of misappropriation. The dispute raises questions about the adequacy of relief measures reaching flood-affected residents across Punjab.

Flood management and disaster relief have become increasingly contentious issues in the region, with multiple states competing for central resources and scrutiny over fund utilization intensifying. The matter is likely to draw attention from both state governments and central authorities overseeing disaster response operations.