CHANDIGARH-Ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s rally in Moga, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora on Saturday put eight pointed questions to the BJP-led Central Government, demanding clear answers on issues ranging from Punjab’s withheld funds and massive GST losses to flood relief, industry, drug trafficking, employment and rising LPG prices.
Stating that the visit cannot be reduced to political rhetoric, Aman Arora said three crore Punjabis are expecting accountability from the Union Home Minister and deserve concrete answers, not hollow slogans or “jumlas, ” on the serious economic and governance concerns facing Punjab.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, AAP Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora stated that Punjabis have a long tradition of welcoming guests with respect, but this time the people of Punjab expect accountability from the Union Home Minister. “Home Minister Amit Shah has come to the land of Punjab, and we welcome him. But the concern of three crore Punjabis is simple, do not make empty promises and tell jumlas again, ” said Aman Arora.
The AAP Punjab President noted that two days ago he had raised several important issues concerning Punjab and expected the BJP’s Punjab leadership to respond or present some announcements before Amit Shah’s visit. “However, in the last two days not a single BJP Punjab leader has spoken about these concerns, ” said Aman Arora. He also urged the media to question Amit Shah and BJP Punjab leaders on the issues being raised by the people of Punjab.
Raising the first issue, Aman Arora asked the Union Home Minister to clarify under which law the central government has withheld ₹8, 300 crore belonging to Punjab under the Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF) for the past four years. “This money belongs to the hardworking farmers and people of Punjab. It is meant for rural development. Why has the Centre stopped it, and when will it be released?” asked Aman Arora.
Highlighting the financial losses suffered by Punjab under the GST regime, Aman Arora stated that the compensation mechanism lasted only five years, leaving Punjab with massive losses. “The GST compensation was given only for five years, but Punjab suffered losses worth nearly ₹60, 000 crore. How does the central government plan to compensate Punjab for this huge loss?” asked Aman Arora.
Referring to the devastating floods that struck Punjab, the Cabinet Minister reminded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had announced a relief package of ₹1, 600 crore during his visit to the affected areas. “Is Amit Shah bringing the cheque of ₹1, 600 crore with him today? If yes, he should hand it over to Punjab. If not, he must explain in his rally why that money has still not been released, ” said Aman Arora.
Targeting the Centre over the LPG crisis and rising gas prices, Aman Arora said long queues for LPG cylinders are being witnessed in several places and cited a tragic incident in Barnala where a person reportedly died of a heart attack while standing in line for a cylinder. “The situation reminds people of the painful days of demonetisation when many citizens died standing in queues, ” said Aman Arora.
Aman Arora further stated that the crisis reflects the failure of the central government’s domestic and foreign policies. “The BJP government has failed to maintain balanced relations even with friendly countries like Iran and Russia, while surrendering to pressure from the United States. These policies are harming the entire country, ” said Aman Arora.
Concluding, Aman Arora stated that the eight questions raised reflect the concerns of the people of Punjab and must be answered during Amit Shah’s visit. “If Amit Shah truly feels responsible towards the people, he must answer these eight questions during his visit. Punjab deserves answers, not hollow slogans, ” said Aman Arora.