Watch: Punjab ministers recall Swedish cruises, Goa trips during inspection of flood-hit areas

NEW DELHI: Three Punjab ministers have drawn criticism after a video emerged of them discussing about luxury cruises while inspecting flood-hit areas in state. Barinder Kumar Goyal, Laljit Bhullar and Harbhajan Singh were filmed sitting in a boat, wearing life jackets, as they discussed trips to Sweden and Goa. At one point, one minister was heard recalling 24-hour cruise rides in Sweden. Another spoke about holidaying in Goa.'Flood-hit families in Punjab beg for a glass of drinking water' “Flood-hit families in Punjab beg for a glass of drinking water, but AAP ministers found time to relive their ‘golden memories’ of luxury cruises,” said Partap Singh Bajwa, Leader of Opposition in Punjab, on X. The ministers’ comments came at a time when life has been severely disrupted in several villages around Chandigarh due to floods. Six villages, including Gurah, Kasauli, Bhaghindi and Karaundianwala, have been isolated for nearly a month after a crucial link road to New Chandigarh was washed away by the swollen Jayanti Devi Ki Rao rivulet. With no bridges, residents have been forced to wade through strong currents to reach nearby towns. Villagers say the crossing has become perilous, with emergency vehicles at times getting stuck in silt and debris. “The rivulet has been in spate for the past month, and daily commuters are having a tough time,” said Husan Kalas, husband of Jayanti Majri’s sarpanch. “This is the only road connecting us, and the government has failed to repair it in time.” Another village head, Naseeb Chand of Gurah, said many residents who work in Chandigarh are struggling. “This happens every monsoon. We keep asking for bridges, but our pleas are ignored,” he said. Officials have said proposals for three bridges have been submitted but none implemented. For villagers, that means the cycle of flooding and isolation is likely to continue.