UK Journalist Slams Government Response to Punjab Floods
Journalist Slams Government Response to Punjab Floods, Cites ‘Photo Sessions’ and ‘Mismanagement’
In a scathing critique on Pride Punjab TV, UK-based journalist VP Singh Gill has accused the Punjab state and Indian central governments of gross mismanagement, political opportunism, and a severe lack of preparedness in handling the devastating floods that have once again submerged the state. During the interview with presenter Daljit Singh, Gill argued that the response from politicians has been dominated by publicity stunts rather than genuine relief efforts, leaving citizens to fend for themselves.
A central theme of the discussion was the allegation that politicians are more focused on their public image than on the crisis at hand. Gill described how leaders from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stage rescue operations for the camera. “AAP leaders… take a cameraman with them… and tell him to make a video of me from all angles,” he stated, calling the acts mere “photo sessions” that lack any seriousness. Presenter Daljit Singh recalled a similar incident from the 2023 floods, where a person dramatically “rescued” by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was later revealed to be an AAP party member. Gill concluded, “This government is running on photo sessions”.
The journalist heavily criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s high-profile offer of his helicopter for relief work. Gill pointed out that the aircraft was a passenger helicopter, not equipped for rescue or supply drops, making it largely useless for people who desperately needed tarps and sandbags. He also highlighted the irony of the Chief Minister, a representative of the “Aam Aadmi” or “common man” party, using a Toyota Land Cruiser VIP edition valued between ₹2.75 crore and ₹3.15 crore while touring flood-affected areas. In another instance of perceived insensitivity, Gill recounted a video of ministers Laljit Bhullar and Varinder Goel reminiscing about cruises in Sweden and Goa while observing the floodwaters, questioning how they could be thinking of their holidays while “people are dying” and livestock are being swept away.
The conversation also delved into systemic failures that led to the recurring disasters. Despite government assurances in the legislative assembly that preparations were “complete,” Gill asserted that canals had not been cleaned and crucial sluice gates had not been greased, causing them to break under pressure. The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), which is under central government control, was also criticized. Experts question why water is stored and then released suddenly, causing flash floods. However, Gill noted that BBMB officials are often caught in a difficult position, fearing blame whether they release water or not. This has led to a political blame game, with the AAP government pointing fingers at the BJP-led central government, which controls the BBMB.
The central government’s response, or lack thereof, was also a major point of criticism. Gill noted that while Prime Minister Narendra Modi was posting photos of his trip to China, there was “not a single word, not a single line about Punjab” on his Facebook page for days. This silence, which was also noted during the 2023 floods, makes any prospect of a financial relief package seem unlikely, according to Gill.
While governments falter, Gill praised the resilience of the Punjabi people. He highlighted how local youths are using modified tractors—the same ones for which they were previously fined by police—to build embankments and lead rescue efforts. “The people themselves have started building the dams,” he remarked, questioning the purpose of the government.
The report concluded with a stark warning about the long-term consequences of the floods. The true devastation will become clear after the water recedes, with farmers facing immense financial loss, the spread of disease from dead animals, and a long recovery process. Gill estimated it will take at least six months for the land to become farmable again. He made an urgent appeal to the Punjabi diaspora (NRIs) to provide direct financial support to their home villages, warning them to be wary of fraudulent fundraisers that often emerge during such crises.
