National/ Punjab Desk
15 September
Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, continued his visit to flood-affected areas in Punjab on Monday. After visiting Dera Baba Nanak, he reached Makora Pattan in Dinanagar, Gurdaspur district. However, the district administration stopped him from crossing the Ravi river to meet residents of seven affected villages on the other side.
Rahul Gandhi questioned why he was being prevented from meeting the people. Senior officials, including SP (H) Jugraj Singh and SDO Jaspinder Singh, cited security reasons. Later, SSP Aditya also spoke to him. Gandhi expressed his displeasure, saying it was unfortunate that the Leader of Opposition of India was being stopped from meeting citizens in his own country. When denied written permission, he demanded that villagers from across the river be brought to meet him. Eventually, residents were brought to Makora, where Gandhi interacted with them.
Former Punjab CM Charanjit Singh Channi, who accompanied Gandhi, criticized the state government, saying it had failed to make arrangements before the floods. Congress leaders Raja Warring and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa also condemned the administration, questioning why Rahul Gandhi was stopped. They alleged both the state and central governments were responsible for the severe flood damage and demanded a proper inquiry.