BJP Conducts Awareness Drive for Viksit Bharat Rozgar Mission in Patiala Rural
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized a significant awareness drive in Patiala Rural on Tuesday to promote the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin). The event, coordinated by the BJP Patiala Urban unit, drew attention to rural employment initiatives while launching sharp critiques against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress in Punjab.
Key Leaders Address Gathering on Employment and Governance
The drive was attended by prominent BJP figures, including state working president Ashwani Sharma, former MP Preneet Kaur, and local leaders such as Anil Sareen and Hobby Dhaliwal. In his address, Sharma emphasized that the Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (VB G RAM G) would continue rural employment efforts under a renewed framework, contrasting it with what he described as failed policies of the opposition.
Criticism of MGNREGA Implementation and Corruption
Sharma pointed out severe shortcomings in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) under previous administrations. He stated that while the scheme promised 100 days of employment, workers in Punjab received only about 36 days on average. The BJP leader highlighted widespread corruption, citing over 10,000 cases, including an instance where a person settled in Canada allegedly received MGNREGA wages. Sharma accused the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government of depriving genuine workers of their rights and fostering an environment where bogus beneficiaries thrived.
Health Insurance Promises and Unfulfilled Commitments
Further criticizing the AAP government, Sharma addressed claims of providing Rs 10 lakh health insurance to every Punjabi. He argued that a government struggling to effectively implement the Rs 5 lakh Ayushman Bharat scheme could not realistically deliver on such a lofty promise. This, he said, was part of a pattern of misleading assertions that have left citizens disillusioned.
Poll Promises and Law and Order Concerns
Sharma lambasted the Punjab government for failing to fulfil key poll promises, notably the pledge to end drug smuggling. He assured that if the BJP comes to power in Punjab, it would provide Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops, mirroring the policies in BJP-ruled Haryana. Emphasizing the need for stability, Sharma stated that Punjab requires a government with strong law and order where every citizen feels secure—a goal he believes is achievable only under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Central Government's Employment Guarantees and Future Plans
Under Prime Minister Modi's leadership, Sharma noted, the central government has guaranteed up to 125 days of employment, ensured wage payments within seven days, and provided interest in case of delays. He declared that the countdown for the Bhagwant Mann government has begun, with the BJP aiming to form the government in Punjab by 2027. When asked about potential alliances, Sharma indicated that the BJP is preparing to contest all 117 seats independently, without commenting specifically on the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Preneet Kaur on Punjab's Deteriorating Condition and Central Leadership
Former MP Preneet Kaur expressed deep concern over what she described as the deteriorating condition of Punjab. She argued that despite a decisive mandate, the state is being remotely controlled by leaders from Delhi, such as Manish Sisodia and Arvind Kejriwal, leading to neglect of local issues. Kaur alleged that Punjab's resources are being diverted for party promotion and advertisements rather than addressing real challenges.
Kaur praised Prime Minister Modi for his respect towards Sikh values and Punjabi culture, noting that despite Sikhs being a small percentage of the population, the PM has honored Sikh Gurus and celebrated their legacy globally. She asserted that only strong central leadership can revive Punjab's prospects.
Commitment to Transparent Governance and Viksit Punjab
The BJP leaders reiterated their commitment to safeguarding workers' rights, ensuring transparent governance, and working towards a 'Viksit Punjab' aligned with the broader vision of 'Viksit Bharat'. The event underscored the party's focus on employment, anti-corruption measures, and state development as key pillars of their political agenda in Punjab.
