BJP Leader Accuses Punjab Government of Failing Poor, Highlights Modi's Welfare Reforms
BJP Punjab working state president Ashwani Sharma launched a scathing attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government during a public rally in Kharar, organized in support of the Viksit Bharat–G-RAM-G Scheme. Sharma contrasted what he described as the pro-poor policies of the Narendra Modi government at the Centre with the alleged failures of the state administration.
Modi Government's Pro-Poor Initiatives Praised
Ashwani Sharma asserted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has secured the rights of the poor, laborers, and farmers through comprehensive welfare measures. He emphasized that every scheme introduced by the Modi government is fundamentally designed for the upliftment of underprivileged sections of society.
Highlighting specific reforms, Sharma pointed to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), where the implementation of the G-RAM-G system has significantly reduced corruption by ensuring direct wage transfers to workers' bank accounts. He detailed several key enhancements:
- Increase in workdays under MGNREGA to 125 days annually.
- Guarantee of wage payments within seven days of work completion.
- Mandatory interest payments on any delayed wages.
- Provision for unemployment allowance if work is not provided within 15 days.
Sharma described these measures as historic initiatives that create a robust social security net for the economically vulnerable.
Allegations of Corruption Against AAP and Congress
The BJP leader accused both the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress of transforming MGNREGA into a hub of corruption. He alleged that despite thousands of corruption cases being reported, there has been neither recovery of misappropriated funds nor punishment for the guilty. This, according to Sharma, reflects systemic failures in governance under these parties.
Central Schemes Transforming Lives
Ashwani Sharma cited several flagship central government schemes that have allegedly improved living standards for the poor across India:
- Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Providing housing for the homeless.
- Ujjwala Yojana – Ensuring LPG connections to households.
- Jal Jeevan Mission – Supplying clean drinking water.
- Ayushman Bharat – Offering health insurance coverage.
- Free Foodgrain Scheme – Guaranteeing food security.
He claimed these initiatives have collectively ensured access to toilets, cooking fuel, and safe water, thereby transforming the lives of millions.
Criticism of Punjab Government's Policies
In stark contrast, Sharma alleged that the Bhagwant Mann government has worked to extinguish the hearths of the poor in Punjab. He specifically criticized the discontinuation of the Dal-Atta scheme, which he labeled as a betrayal of the poor. Additionally, he accused the state government of falsely claiming credit for centrally supplied free foodgrains, calling these actions false claims that the administration survives on.
Law and Order Concerns in Punjab
Addressing the security situation, Ashwani Sharma expressed grave concerns over the deteriorating law and order in Punjab. He cited rising incidents of:
- Gangsterism and organized crime.
- Extortion and shootings.
- Drug abuse and related crimes.
Sharma claimed these issues have created an atmosphere of fear across the state. He further alleged that the Punjab government is being controlled from Delhi, reducing the Chief Minister to a mere puppet without autonomous decision-making power.
BJP's Vision for Punjab
Concluding his address, Ashwani Sharma asserted that only the BJP can restore peace, harmony, and development in Punjab. He linked this to the broader vision of a Developed India (Viksit Bharat), which he said is dedicated to uplifting every poor citizen through inclusive growth and governance reforms. The rally underscored the BJP's commitment to contrasting its governance model with that of the current state administration.
