As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit flood-affected regions of Punjab and Himachal Pradesh on Tuesday, September 9, 2025, both state governments are pressing the central government for substantial financial assistance to address the widespread devastation caused by recent flooding. The demand for a special flood relief package comes amidst rising concerns over damaged infrastructure, ruined crops, and the displacement of thousands of people.

In Punjab, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), along with opposition parties, has been vocal in its appeal for a Rs 20,000 crore relief package. AAP President Aman Arora stated that this amount is necessary to compensate farmers for crop and property losses, as well as to rebuild roads and power infrastructure. Arora also urged the Prime Minister to release Rs 60,000 crore in pending dues to the state, including revenue losses from the Goods and Services Tax (GST) implementation and withheld funds from the Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF). Arora added, "If you (the Prime Minister) can send relief to Taliban in Afghanistan, why not to Punjab?" He estimated that crops across 4.3 lakh acres have been destroyed and numerous homes have collapsed or been severely damaged.

Echoing these sentiments, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Badal also called for a Rs 20,000 crore package for flood relief and rehabilitation, along with a complete farm loan waiver for farmers and agricultural laborers. Badal emphasized the nation's debt to Punjab's farmers, who spearheaded the Green Revolution and transformed the state into the country's breadbasket, urging the central government to support them in this critical time.

Punjab is grappling with severe flooding, with the Sutlej, Beas, and Ravi rivers overflowing due to heavy rainfall in the state and surrounding catchment areas of Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir. The floods have claimed 48 lives and damaged crops across 1.76 lakh hectares. Rescue operations are being conducted by the Indian Army, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), Border Security Force (BSF), Punjab Police, and local authorities.

The Prime Minister's visit aims to assess the on-the-ground situation and monitor relief and rehabilitation efforts. According to Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, PM Modi is deeply concerned about the flood situation in Punjab and is closely monitoring it.

Meanwhile, in Himachal Pradesh, Leader of Opposition Jairam Thakur is expected to attend a meeting in Dharamsala on September 9. The state is also seeking a special relief package to address the damage caused by floods and landslides. PM Modi will conduct an aerial survey of the flood and landslide-hit areas in Himachal Pradesh. He will reach Kangra in Himachal Pradesh, where he will meet officials and chair a high-level review meeting on the situation. He will also meet flood-affected people and the NDRF, the SDRF and Aapda Mitra team there.

Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu has appealed to the Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Gujarat to support Punjab's flood relief efforts, highlighting the importance of unity and cooperation during this crisis.