6 days after PM's tour, Rahul visits flood-hit Punjab

AMRITSAR/GURDASPUR: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi toured several flood-ravaged villages in Amritsar and Gurdaspur districts Monday. His visit came six days after PM Modi dropped by flood-affected areas of Punjab.

Rahul chose to keep the media at bay throughout. He later posted on X: "The floods have caused severe devastation in Punjab. I met villagers in Ghonewal where homes are ruined, fields destroyed and lives shattered. Both state & central govts must ensure relief packages and compensation reach victims without delay. In this tragedy, I stand with every affected family. I will amplify their voices and ensure they receive every possible assistance."

Rahul echoed the sentiment of state Congress netas that central relief package of Rs 1,600 crore was far too meagre when compared to the scale of the devastation.

State Congress leadership, meanwhile, alleged that Rahul was barred from visiting certain areas under the guise of "security concerns". PCC chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring alleged that local police and NDRF officials stopped Rahul from visiting Toor village across Ravi river.

Rahul reached Makora Pattan village, around 85km from Amritsar, and was about to set off by boat for the next stop on his itinerary, the marooned Toor. However, he could not, as Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge received a phone call from Union home minister Amit Shah, requesting that Rahul should avoid crossing the flooded river for safety concerns, Warring said.

After landing at Amritsar airport Monday morning, Rahul headed for Gurdwara Baba Budha Sahib, where he offered prayers.