CM Bhagwant Singh : Raises Concern Over the Growing Influence of Corporations in Politics.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday strongly criticized the BJP-led central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for its biased treatment of Punjab, which he claimed is hindering the state’s development and progress.
Participating in discussions in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Mann pointed to the withholding of RDF (Rural Development Fund) as a clear example of the Union government’s discriminatory approach towards Punjab and its people. He accused the central government of deliberately tarnishing Punjab’s image, citing the recent landing of U.S. deportation flights in Amritsar despite most deportees being from other states. He asserted that this move lacked justification and was solely aimed at defaming the state.
CM Bhagwant Singh questioned why a plane carrying deported individuals from the U.S. was directed to Punjab, while flights transporting dignitaries, such as former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, could be routed to airports like Hindon. He emphasized that illegal immigration is a national issue, not just Punjab’s problem, yet the state was being unfairly singled out. He called this treatment unacceptable and an attack on Punjab’s dignity and pride.
CM Bhagwant Singh reminded the Union government of Punjab’s immense contributions to India’s history, highlighting that over 80% of the freedom fighters who were martyred or exiled hailed from the state. He also emphasized Punjab’s critical role in national security and food production. Mann asserted that Punjab is not dependent on charity and will continue to fight for its rightful dues.
Expressing concerns over the weakening of India’s federal structure, CM Bhagwant Singh accused the central government of eroding state rights. He condemned the increasing corporate influence in politics, stating that the Union government had become subservient to wealthy business elites who were receiving undue benefits. He criticized the sale of national assets at extremely low prices to government-affiliated businessmen, calling it an unfortunate trend.
In contrast, CM Bhagwant Singh highlighted Punjab’s recent move to purchase the Goindwal power plant from private company GVK Power, marking a historic reversal of the usual practice of governments selling public assets to private entities at undervalued prices. He proudly noted that the state government had named the power plant after the third Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Amar Dass Ji, symbolizing Punjab’s commitment to reclaiming its resources for the people’s benefit.