The Mann-led Punjab government has exposed the false propaganda being spread by both the BJP and Congress regarding the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF). The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has taken a firm stand, putting both opposition parties on the spot and clarifying the truth about disaster relief funds in Punjab.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated that the BJP has been treating Punjab unfairly, spreading misleading claims to confuse the public, while Congress has been making baseless allegations purely for political gains. The Mann government emphasized that every rupee received since 2022 has been properly utilized for public welfare and relief operations. However, the opposition is conspiring to weaken Punjab’s rightful fight for its funds.
Cheema launched a strong criticism of the BJP, stating that it is deliberately misleading the public about the SDRF. The AAP alleged that the central government has repeatedly delayed releasing Punjab’s entitled funds since 2022, even withholding allocations meant for critical sectors such as education and health. He revealed that during the financial year 2022-23, the state received ₹208 crore and spent ₹61 crore; in 2023-24, ₹645 crore was received and ₹420 crore spent; in 2024-25, ₹488 crore was received and ₹27 crore spent; and in 2025-26, ₹241 crore was received and ₹140 crore spent.
From April 1, 2022, to September 10, 2025, Punjab received a total of ₹1,582 crore under the SDRF. Of this amount, ₹649 crore has already been utilized for various relief and rehabilitation initiatives, while the remaining funds are being deployed in ongoing and upcoming disaster relief efforts to ensure timely assistance for flood-affected communities. Cheema asserted that the BJP is intentionally spreading misinformation regarding disaster funds.
Even when farmers’ crops were destroyed, the central government delayed providing relief, whereas the Mann government immediately distributed compensation to support the farmers. AAP highlighted that the Punjab government stands firmly with its people in every crisis. Responding to BJP leaders, Cheema said that those who have never stood for Punjab and its rights have no moral authority to question the state government. He accused them of spreading false propaganda for political advantage, concealing the truth, and attempting to mislead people during critical times. Cheema further demanded that BJP leaders stop this narrative and explain why the central government has blocked thousands of crores meant for Punjab under the SDRF.