Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, hit out at the Aam Aadmi Party-led government in Punjab for what he called a shameful betrayal of the state's poorest citizens.
Bajwa condemned the Bhagwant Mann-led government for caving in to the BJP-led Union government’s diktats by agreeing to slash 11 lakh beneficiaries from the free ration scheme under the National Food Security Act (NFSA).
He reminded the public that the AAP government had publicly promised not to remove any beneficiaries, even when the Centre had raised concerns about alleged discrepancies. “Now, they’ve not only gone back on their word but have adopted the Centre’s anti-poor criteria to mercilessly weed out individuals from lifeline food support,” Bajwa said. “It’s not just a policy shift — it’s a moral collapse.”
In the wake of devastating floods that have already crushed Punjab’s marginalised communities, Bajwa said this decision would further push the underprivileged to the brink of survival. “Thousands have lost their homes, livelihoods, and access to basic services — and instead of extending a hand, the government is tightening the noose. Is this what a welfare state looks like?” he asked.
He also targeted Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann directly, questioning his credibility and independence. “When the Centre raised these issues earlier, Mann claimed no one would be excluded. What changed? Why can’t he hold his ground now? Either he can’t keep his promises, or he has fully surrendered to the BJP,” Bajwa charged.
Bajwa called the move deplorable and an example of how both the Centre and the Punjab government are actively colluding against the poor, rather than protecting them in times of crisis.
