The Punjab Congress launched a scathing offensive against both the BJP-led central government and the state's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) administration on Saturday, promising to revive the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and protect the rights of the impoverished.
Unified Front Against 'Inefficient, Corrupt' Government
Addressing a massive gathering under the banner of 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' in Patiala, state Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring firmly dismissed any speculation about internal party divisions or a race for the chief minister's post. He asserted that the party stands united with a single goal. "There is no race for chief ministership. We are united to free Punjab from an inefficient, corrupt government," Warring declared.
He accused the Narendra Modi government at the Centre of "snatching away a constitutional right" by drastically reducing the scope and funding of the MGNREGA scheme. Simultaneously, he criticized the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government in Punjab for its failure to provide adequate employment under the scheme within the state.
Leaders Rally Behind the Pro-Poor Promise
"This scheme is globally acknowledged as the best pro-poor initiative. It guaranteed 100 days of work to rural families. Now, employment depends on the whims of the government," Warring stated, vowing to continue the struggle until the scheme is fully restored to its original mandate.
The rally saw powerful endorsements from other senior Congress figures. Former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister and AICC general secretary, Bhupesh Baghel, said the overwhelming public turnout at the rallies was proof of people's enduring faith in the Congress party. "We will not rest until MGNREGA is reinstated. Congress has always fought for the poor and will continue to do so," he asserted.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa proclaimed that "winds of change" were sweeping across Punjab. He made a significant promise, stating that a Congress government elected in 2027 would create special budgetary provisions to secure MGNREGA. "People have no expectations from AAP. Congress will fulfill their aspirations," he said.
Broader Promises on Law, Order, and Livelihood
Bajwa also linked the party's historical record to future action, promising to crush gangsters within a month of returning to power, akin to how the party tackled terrorism in the state's past. He expressed deep concern over the current deteriorating law and order situation, highlighting daily killings and the unchecked drug menace.
In a parallel rally in Sangrur, senior leader Vijay Inder Singla vowed that the Congress would resist any attempt by the BJP to "snatch the livelihood of the poor and marginalized at any cost."
The Patiala event demonstrated a show of strength with the presence of numerous top party leaders, including:
- Rajinder Kaur Bhattal
- Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa
- Amar Singh
- Patiala MP Dr Dharamvira Gandhi
- MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira
- Mohit Mohindra
The rally effectively positioned the restoration of MGNREGA as a central plank for the Congress's campaign, directly challenging both its political rivals on the issue of rural employment and welfare.
