Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring launched a sharp critique against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Tuesday. He accused it of lacking grace by failing to acknowledge former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh's pivotal role as the architect of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) during a special session of the Vidhan Sabha dedicated to defending the scheme.
A Missed Acknowledgment for a "Son of the Soil"
In a strongly-worded statement, Warring pointed out that while AAP leaders rightly praised and defended MGNREGA in the assembly, none showed the courtesy to mention Dr. Manmohan Singh. He emphasized that for the people of Punjab, Dr. Singh holds a special place as a "great son of the soil." The Ludhiana Member of Parliament underscored that MGNREGA was a flagship scheme launched by the Congress-led government in 2005, and it was significant that the AAP government found itself defending it nearly two decades later.
Special Session Labelled a Mere "Event"
Warring dismissed the Tuesday special session of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha as an inconsequential "event" typical of the AAP's style of governance. He questioned the tangible outcome of the session, asking, "What is the takeaway from the session?" In his assessment, the gathering was "just an event without any content or purpose," implying it was more about political theatre than substantive policy discussion.
Congress Policies Force Critics to Defend Them: Warring
The state Congress chief framed the incident as a testament to the enduring legacy of Congress's policies. "This is what makes the Congress unique and distinct," Warring stated. He argued that the party's policies are so robust and impactful that even political opponents are compelled to defend them and convene special legislative sessions for that purpose. His comments highlight the ongoing political tussle in Punjab, where the Congress seeks to reclaim credit for central welfare schemes implemented by its past governments.
The controversy brings the focus back on the political credit war surrounding landmark national schemes in state politics. It also underscores the continued relevance of Dr. Manmohan Singh's legacy in Punjab, his home state, as parties vie to align themselves with popular welfare measures like MGNREGA.
