Bharatiya Janata Party's Punjab unit president, Sunil Jakhar, launched a staunch defence of the Central government's Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission-Gramin (VB-G RAM G) Act during a public interaction in Ludhiana district on Friday. The event in Pona village, Jagraon, was marked by political accusations and a protest by a labour union, leading to brief detentions.
Political Accusations Fly in Jagraon
Addressing the gathering, Sunil Jakhar accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the opposition Congress of deliberately misleading the people of Punjab about the objectives of the new law. He asserted that the AAP was spreading "misinformation" to divert attention from its own governance failures, while the Congress was opposing the scheme merely to protect its dwindling political relevance in the state.
"Only the BJP is genuinely talking about Punjab’s interests," Jakhar claimed. He elaborated that the core aim of the VB-G RAM G Act is to ensure that welfare benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries directly, bypassing any potential siphoning by middlemen, contractors, or politically connected individuals.
Law & Order and a Swipe at the AAP Government
Jakhar broadened his attack to critique the Bhagwant Mann-led state government on multiple fronts. He alleged a steady deterioration in law and order, forcing citizens to live in fear. Recalling promises made during the Tarn Taran by-election, he said AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal had vowed to eliminate gangsters within a week and had since announced a "Phase Two," but with no visible results. "Gangsters continue to kill the sons of Punjab," he alleged.
In a sharp personal attack, Jakhar accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of having "compromised Punjab’s honour" by placing the state "at the feet of Arvind Kejriwal." He further labelled the Congress as functioning like the "B-team" of the AAP in Punjab, alleging that its leaders had failed to raise public issues or speak against corruption and had effectively "surrendered" before Mann.
Protest and Detentions by Labour Union
The BJP leader's visit did not go unchallenged. Members of the Punjab Mazdoor Union (PMU) staged a protest against the VB-G RAM G Act. PMU general secretary Avtar Singh Rasulpur, along with district leaders Sukhdev Singh Manoke and Madan Lal, were detained by police after they raised slogans outside the rally venue.
PMU president Tarsem Peter stated that the workers were not allowed to enter the venue and were subsequently taken to the Galib police chowki. He confirmed that all detained leaders were released later in the evening.
Concluding his address, Jakhar expressed confidence that the people of Punjab were now looking towards the BJP with renewed hope. He asserted a growing belief among the populace that only a strong and decisive government could pull the state out of its current multifaceted crisis.
