Congress Launches Major Demonstrations Across Punjab Over Key Issues
The Congress party organized significant protest actions across Punjab on Tuesday, with a large-scale rally under the 'MGNREGA Bachao Sangram' banner in Nabha and a separate demonstration in Patiala focusing on deteriorating law and order conditions in the state.
Leadership Accuses Central Government of Anti-Poor Policies
Congress general secretary in-charge of Punjab Bhupesh Baghel and Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, accompanied by Patiala MP Dharamvira Gandhi, launched scathing attacks against the BJP-led central government. They characterized the administration as "the biggest enemy of farmers, the poor, and labourers", pointing specifically to recent modifications in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act as evidence of this hostility.
During the law and order protest, Congress representatives asserted that the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led state government had completely failed to protect citizens' lives and maintain public safety. The dual protests highlighted what party leaders described as systemic failures at both state and national levels.
Agricultural Import Policies Draw Sharp Criticism
Addressing the Nabha rally, Bhupesh Baghel made serious allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, claiming he had "surrendered" farmers' interests by permitting agricultural and dairy imports through international trade agreements. Baghel emphasized that Modi represents the first Prime Minister in India's history to authorize such imports of dairy and agricultural products, which Congress views as detrimental to domestic producers.
Baghel further accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann of functioning as "the B-team of BJP" and questioned his silence regarding the MGNREGA amendments. The Congress leader pledged that his party would vigorously oppose any policy moves that threaten the farming community's welfare.
Historical Context and Wealth Distribution Allegations
Amrinder Singh Raja Warring provided historical perspective on MGNREGA, describing it as "the first law that granted the right to work" in India. He credited former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress leader Sonia Gandhi with introducing this landmark legislation to prevent "anarchy and lawlessness" stemming from hunger and unemployment.
Warring launched broad accusations against the BJP, claiming the party was systematically selling public assets while favoring corporate interests. He alleged an extreme concentration of wealth, stating that "80% of the country's wealth is concentrated in the hands of two individuals", while impoverished citizens face diminishing employment opportunities.
Questioning Government Claims and Demanding Action
The Punjab Congress president directly challenged Prime Minister Modi's assurances about extending work guarantees and doubling farmers' incomes. Warring posed pointed questions about whether workers actually receive the mandated 100 days of employment under MGNREGA, asking "If they did not get 50 days, how will they get 125 days?" He dismissed these government promises as mere "bluff" without substantive implementation.
Warring maintained that the central government could have increased daily wages to 700 rupees if their intentions were genuine. He declared that Congress would continue its agitation campaign until the MGNREGA scheme is fully restored to its original provisions and effectiveness.
Broad Participation in Protest Events
The rallies attracted numerous prominent Congress figures, including former minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot, former MLA Randeep Nabha, Gurkirat Kotli, Aruna Chaudhar, Punjab Youth Congress president Mohit Mohindra, and Captain Sandeep Sandhu. Their collective presence underscored the party's unified stance against what they perceive as harmful policies affecting Punjab's most vulnerable populations.
