With Punjab drowning in one of its worst flood crises in years, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday launched a direct appeal to the central government, demanding immediate financial and logistical assistance.

Touring the inundated villages of Sultanpur Lodhi, Kejriwal highlighted the scale of devastation: “There is a lot of flood everywhere... Nearly 14,000 villages and about 3 lakh people have been affected... I would also request the central government to help Punjab as much as possible in this time of grief.”

In a sharp comparison, he added: “The Indian government has helped Afghanistan by providing funds, which is a good thing to do. But I also urge the Centre to send relief to Punjab as well in such tough times.”

Punjab’s suffering continues to mount. Over 1,900 villages are submerged, 4 lakh acres of standing crops destroyed, and the death toll has risen to 43. Close to 21,000 people have been evacuated, while overflowing rivers and emergency dam releases worsen the destruction.

The Army, BSF, NDRF, and state police are engaged in relentless rescue operations—pulling families to safety, reinforcing river embankments, and delivering essential supplies. Yet, officials warn of further risk as heavy rainfall remains in the forecast.

Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian has formally pressed Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan for an emergency relief package, stressing the unbearable losses borne by Punjab’s farmers. Meanwhile, AAP MPs have pledged their MPLADS funds for relief measures.

District administrations continue to urge residents in low-lying areas to evacuate as the floodwaters show little sign of receding.