Sangrur, Jan 10 (UNI) Former Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh and AICC General Secretary in-charge for Punjab, Bhupesh Baghel, today expressed satisfaction over the overwhelming response that the “Save MGNREGA Struggle” rallies generating across the country and said that the Congress has gained leadership across the country by starting this struggle here.
Baghel emphasized that the Congress party, as always, will continue to work and fight for the rights of the poor and marginalized sections, whose voices are often not heard. He said that Congress will take this fight to the end and will not rest until MGNREGA is reinstated.
Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Pratap Singh Bajwa, said that the people of Punjab now look only to the Congress for good and effective governance.
Addressing the “Save MGNREGA Sangram” rally held here today, the Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring promised that the Congress party will not allow MGNREGA to be abolished at any cost. He said that the BJP government at the Centre has crossed all limits by weakening the pro-poor and Dalit MGNREGA scheme. The Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab is no less, having completely failed to provide employment under MGNREGA, he claimed.
He said that MGNREGA is considered one of the most effective poverty alleviation schemes not only in India but across the world. Poor people living in rural areas were guaranteed 100 days of employment a year as a constitutional right, but now the Modi government has taken away that right, leaving the government’s discretion to provide employment.
Meanwhile, thanking the people for their large turnout at the “Save MGNREGA” rally, Warring promised that Congress would work for their welfare. He ridiculed reports of alleged factionalism within the Punjab Congress and taunted those claiming five contenders for the Chief Minister’s post, saying there were none, as everyone’s goal was to ensure the party’s victory.
He clarified that the high command would decide on the Chief Minister’s post and reiterated that he himself was not in the running for the position.
Warring asserted that he wanted to fight for the people of Punjab, fight against drugs and gangsters, and was not contesting for the Chief Minister’s post.
Completely rejecting reports of factionalism within the Punjab Congress, the Party President stated that there is currently no contender for the Chief Minister’s post in the party. He added that everyone is working hard to free the state from this incompetent and corrupt government.
Speaking on the occasion, Pratap Singh Bajwa said that the winds of change had begun to blow in Punjab.
Pointing to the large crowds that had gathered at Congress rallies over the past three days, he said that Congress would work to fulfil the hopes and aspirations of the people of Punjab.
Bajwa promised that the Congress government formed in Punjab in 2027 would make special provisions for MGNREGA in the budget, ensuring employment for the poor and marginalized in rural areas. He stated that no one has any hope left for the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab.
Expressing deep concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the state, he cited the daily killings by gangsters. He stated that just as the Congress eliminated terrorism from Punjab, the Congress government would eliminate gangsters within a month. He asserted that the Aam Aadmi Party government has failed on every front.
Addressing a rally in Sangrur, senior Congress leader and AICC Joint Treasurer Vijayinder Singla said that the Congress party will not, at any cost, allow the BJP to snatch the livelihood of the poor and marginalized sections of society.
Prominent leaders present on the occasion included Ms. Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa MP, Dr. Amar Singh MP, Dr. Gandhi MP, Aruna Chaudhary Deputy Leader of Opposition, Heena Kaware, Ravinder Dalvi, Suraj Thakur, Captain Sandeep Sandhu, Jassi Khangura, Sadhu Singh former Minister, Kuljit Singh Nagra former MLA, Mohammad Sadiq former MP, Kaka Randeep Singh Nabha former Minister, Mrs. Razia Sultana, Rajinder Singh former MLA, Sukhpal Singh Khaira MLA, Hardial Singh Kamboj former MLA, Madan Lal Jalalpur former MLA, Gursharan Kaur Randhawa President, Punjab Mahila Congress, Mohit Mohindra President Punjab Youth Congress, Rakesh Pandey, Pawan Dewan, Anil Joshi, Sukhwinder Singh Danny former MLA, Dalveer Singh Goldy former MLA, Kuldeep Singh Kala Dhillon MLA and District Congress President, along with other leaders.
