Manmohan Singh criticizes BJP and PM Modi in appeal to Punjab.
Congress leader quotes Allama Iqbal’s couplet, praising India’s pluralistic civilization.
Former Prime Minister and Congress leader Manmohan Singh criticizes BJP for “castigating Punjab, Punjabis, and Punjabiyat” in the past 10 years.
Former Prime Minister and Congress leader Manmohan Singh has penned a scathing letter, posted on X by Congress, just two days before the final phase of Lok Sabha elections, wherein Punjab’s 13 seats are up for grabs. In this missive, Singh directly addresses the voters of Punjab, highlighting what he perceives as the BJP’s detrimental treatment towards the state and its people over the past decade.
Singh begins by condemning the BJP-led government’s actions, accusing it of relentless persecution against Punjab, Punjabis, and Punjabiyat, the essence of Punjab’s culture and identity. He points to the tragic loss of 750 farmers, predominantly from Punjab, who lost their lives while protesting at the Delhi borders for months. Singh condemns the use of force against the farmers, emphasizing that even after facing lathis and rubber bullets, they were subjected to verbal assaults by none other than the Prime Minister himself.
Singh’s letter highlights Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s derogatory remarks towards the protesting farmers, labeling them as “Andolanjeevis” (professional protestors) and “Parjeevi” (parasites) during a parliamentary session. This verbal attack on the farmers, according to Singh, only added insult to injury, as their sole demand was the repeal of the contentious farm laws imposed on them without prior consultation.
The former Prime Minister’s letter serves as a rallying call to the voters of Punjab, urging them to reflect on the BJP’s treatment of the state and its farmers before casting their ballots in the upcoming elections. Singh’s words resonate with a sense of indignation and disappointment over the government’s handling of the farmers’ protests and its impact on Punjab’s socio-economic fabric.
Singh’s intervention comes at a crucial juncture, just ahead of the final phase of Lok Sabha elections in Punjab. His decision to directly address the electorate underscores the significance of the issues at hand and the urgency of ensuring that their voices are heard at the ballot box.
The letter underscores the broader narrative surrounding the farmers’ protests and the contentious farm laws, which have become central issues in Punjab’s political landscape. Singh’s appeal to the voters of Punjab is not only a critique of the BJP’s policies but also a call to action to uphold the principles of democracy and justice.
As Punjab prepares to cast its votes in the final phase of Lok Sabha elections, Singh’s letter serves as a poignant reminder of the challenges facing the state and its people. It is a testament to the enduring spirit of democracy and the power of citizens to hold their elected representatives accountable for their actions.
In his letter, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh lauds the resilience and spirit of sacrifice inherent in Punjab and its people, describing them as warriors known for their indomitable courage and commitment to democratic principles. Singh emphasizes Punjab’s tradition of inclusiveness, harmony, and brotherhood, asserting that these values are essential for safeguarding the nation’s integrity.
Singh expresses his support for the Congress party’s guarantees outlined in its manifesto, particularly those under the “Kisaan Nyay” initiative. These guarantees include a legal assurance of Minimum Support Price (MSP) for agricultural produce, a stable export-import policy for the agricultural sector, the establishment of a Permanent Commission on Agricultural Finance to facilitate loan waivers, direct transfer of insured compensation to farmers within 30 days in case of crop losses, and the removal of Goods and Services Tax (GST) on farm input products and equipment.
According to Singh, these measures proposed by the Congress party would lay the groundwork for the next phase of agricultural reforms, creating an environment conducive to the prosperity and well-being of farmers. By addressing key concerns such as MSP, agricultural finance, and crop insurance, Singh believes that these initiatives can help alleviate the challenges facing the agricultural sector and promote sustainable growth.
Singh’s endorsement of the Congress party’s guarantees reflects his confidence in the party’s commitment to addressing the needs of farmers and promoting their interests. His advocacy for these measures underscores the importance of prioritizing agricultural reforms to ensure the livelihoods and welfare of farmers across the country.
Overall, Singh’s letter serves as a rallying cry for Punjab’s voters to support the Congress party and its agenda for agricultural reform. By highlighting the party’s promises and vision for the agricultural sector, Singh seeks to mobilize support for policies that can bring about positive change and empower farmers to thrive in an increasingly challenging environment.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh criticized the BJP government for consistently denying funds to Punjab during its five-year tenure, including for debt restructuring, farm loan waivers, and pending wage liabilities for MGNREGA. Singh also condemned Prime Minister Modi for engaging in what he described as “the most vicious form of hate speeches” during the election campaign. Additionally, Singh quoted Allama Iqbal’s couplet, which he interpreted as a tribute to India’s rich pluralistic civilization, emphasizing the importance of embracing diversity and inclusivity in the country’s political discourse.