Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar launched a sharp critique against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Tuesday, alleging that a special session of the Punjab Assembly was a politically motivated move designed to sow discord between the state and the Centre.
Allegations of Creating Bitterness
Jakhar asserted that the session, convened by the AAP government, was not in the interest of Punjab's development but rather an attempt to foster "bitterness" in relations between the Centre and the state. He claimed this was done solely to serve the AAP's own political interests. In a federal structure, he highlighted, progress is achievable only through cooperative efforts between the central and state governments, a principle he accused the AAP of consistently violating with its confrontational stance.
Questions on Corruption and Governance
The senior BJP leader turned his focus to the issue of corruption within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme. He pointed out that during the session, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann himself admitted to corruption taking place in the implementation of the scheme. Jakhar questioned why, if the CM was aware of the malpractice, no concrete action had been taken against it for years.
He emphasised that the entire framework for implementing MGNREGA lies with the state government, placing the onus of accountability squarely on the AAP administration. "If the CM is aware that corruption is occurring, then why was no action taken against it for so many years?" Jakhar asked.
Call for Action and Critique of Priorities
Before the session began, Jakhar took to social media to outline what he believed should be the government's real priorities. He questioned the benefit of the special session for Punjab and suggested it would have been more productive to discuss the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, which is fundamental for peace and stability.
He also demanded an inquiry into the alleged MGNREGA corruption, asking if the delay was to protect ministers and aides. Furthermore, Jakhar challenged the government's proclaimed concern for the poor, urging it to prove its commitment by increasing employment under MGNREGA from 100 days to 125 days, especially since the CM often speaks of a state treasury.
In a pointed remark, he said if the AAP government were truly well-wishers of the poor, they should pass a resolution thanking Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the new law (VB-G RAM G), which he reiterated is completely in the interest of the poor and ensures transparent wage delivery.
Jakhar also criticised the language used during the assembly proceedings, stating it fell short of expected parliamentary standards. His comments underscore the ongoing political tensions in Punjab, with the BJP positioning itself as a critic of the AAP's governance model and its approach to federal cooperation.
