Congress Launches Scathing Attack on BJP at Nabha Rally Over MGNREGA and Farmer Issues
In a fiery address at the 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' rally held in Nabha on Wednesday, the Punjab Congress launched a blistering assault on the BJP-led central government, branding it as the "biggest enemy" of farmers, the poor, and labourers across the nation. The event saw prominent Congress figures, including former Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Bhagel and Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, rallying supporters against what they described as anti-people policies.
Bhupesh Bhagel Condemns Modi Government's Agricultural Policies
Bhupesh Bhagel, who serves as the AICC general secretary in charge of Punjab, did not mince words in his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He asserted that Modi has "surrendered farmers' interests" by permitting the import of agricultural and dairy products under international agreements. Bhagel emphasized that this move marks a historic first in India, where a Prime Minister has allowed such imports, which he warned would spell doom for the country's farming community.
"The Congress party will staunchly oppose any policy that threatens the livelihoods of our farmers," Bhagel declared, vowing to restore the MGNREGA scheme if the Congress forms governments in Punjab in 2027 and at the Centre in 2029. He framed the ongoing struggle as a fight for labourers and farmers, accusing the BJP of prioritizing corporate interests over public welfare.
Allegations of Constitutional Manipulation and Political Intimidation
Bhagel escalated his attack by accusing the BJP of "fiddling with the Constitution," alleging that the party aims to alter it after securing "400-plus seats" in the Lok Sabha elections. He also charged the BJP with using central agencies like the CBI, ED, and Income Tax Department to intimidate opposition leaders, but affirmed that Congress figures would not be cowed down by such tactics.
Turning his focus to Punjab's political landscape, Bhagel accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of acting as a "B-team of the BJP" and questioned his silence on the replacement of the MGNREGA scheme. This criticism underscores the deepening rift between the Congress and the ruling AAP government in the state.
Warring Highlights MGNREGA's Legacy and Current Failures
Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, the Punjab Congress president, elaborated on the significance of MGNREGA, describing it as the "first law that granted the right to work." He credited former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi for introducing the scheme to prevent "anarchy and lawlessness" stemming from hunger and unemployment.
Warring lambasted the BJP for what he termed as "selling off public assets and favouring corporates," claiming that 80% of the nation's wealth is concentrated in the hands of just two individuals, while the poor are deprived of employment opportunities. He challenged PM Modi's claims of extending work guarantees and doubling farmers' incomes, asking whether workers had even received the mandated 100 days of employment under MGNREGA.
"If they did not get 50 days, how will they get 125 days?" Warring questioned, dismissing the announcements as mere "bluff." He argued that if the Centre had genuine intentions, it could have increased daily wages to Rs 700, and pledged that the Congress would continue its agitation until the scheme is fully restored.
Criticism of AAP Government and Broader Political Context
Warring also targeted the AAP government in Punjab, accusing it of failing to deliver on its promise of Rs 1,000 monthly assistance to women. He urged Chief Minister Mann to clear arrears of Rs 60,000 and advised voters to "take their money, but not vote for them," citing false promises.
In a related development, the Punjab Congress staged a protest in Patiala against the alleged deteriorating law and order situation, blaming the AAP government for failing to safeguard citizens' lives. Congress leaders pointed to recent incidents involving criminals and gangsters, accusing the state administration of being clueless.
On the issue of drug abuse, Warring noted that while the Punjab Governor's anti-drug march is welcome, the flow of narcotics from across the border raises questions about the Centre's role, as border security falls under the BSF and Union Home Ministry. He held both state and central governments responsible for failing to curb this menace.
Warring concluded by suggesting that the Punjab Governor is attempting to unite the BJP and Akali Dal, but asserted that this would not impact the Congress, which is poised to defeat any alliance, be it Akali-BJP or AAP.
