PM Modi’s First Priority is Punjab: Union Minister Shripad Naik During Patiala Visit

Patiala, September 20, 2025: Union Minister Shripad Naik today visited the flood-affected areas of Shutrana Haryau, Shutrana, and Harchandpura in Patiala district. He was accompanied by Ex-Union Minister Preneet Kaur and BJP Punjab Mahila Morcha President Jai Inder Kaur.

Speaking to farmers and residents, Shripad Naik stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has directed all Union Ministers to personally interact with affected families and farmers, to understand the scale of damage and to work out permanent solutions to prevent such disasters in the future. He further informed that the Central Government has already provided a relief package of ₹1,600 crore to Punjab, over and above the SDRF allocation. In addition, BJP-led state governments are also extending support by sending relief material to Punjab.

During the visit, Preneet Kaur highlighted that Patiala district faces recurring floods every year due to the Ghaggar, Tangri, and Markanda rivers, which affect many villages across the district annually. She recalled that only a few days ago, Union Minister of State for Sports, Raksha Nikhil Khadse, had also visited Patiala and taken the key demands of the district to the Prime Minister’s Office. She assured the people that the Central Government is in constant touch and committed to supporting Punjabis in this difficult time.

Farm unions and residents from the surrounding villages also raised the demand for a permanent solution to the recurring Ghaggar River floods by channelizing the river and strengthening embankments along vulnerable areas. Union Minister Shripad Naik assured that this demand will be taken up with the Central Water Commission, which will work with the concerned authorities to provide a lasting solution.

On the Hansi-Butana canal issue, the Union Minister mentioned that since this is an inter-state matter, the Government of Haryana has taken up the issue with utmost seriousness and efforts are underway to find a permanent and amicable solution.

Reiterating the Centre’s stand, Shripad Naik said that “Beyond politics, farmers’ issues will be addressed. This is not a matter of politics – the Central Government is with farmers and will continue to support them.”

The visit reaffirmed the Central Government’s commitment under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to stand firmly with Punjab, ensuring timely relief, rehabilitation, and long-term measures to protect farmers and their livelihoods.

During this visit, District President Harmesh Goyal, Narayan Singh Narsot (Shutrana Incharge), and BJP South team were also present.