Sharma: AAP’s Faulty Verification Excluded Needy, Favoured Workers
Chandigarh, August 25 ; The Punjab government is acting like a “ration dacoit” and ruthlessly depriving 8,02,493 Punjabis of free ration. It is clearly visible that ration card of these people are being cancelled due to the mistakes and incompetence of the Punjab Aam Aadmi Party government, not because of the central government. This was stated by Punjab BJP’s working president Ashwani Sharma.
Sharma said that if the Modi-led central government has been able to provide free ration for years to 1.5 crore Punjabis, then why would it stop the free ration of just 8,02,493 people?
Ration Card Cuts Due to Prashant Bhushan’s Case, Says Sharma
Sharma justified his point. He said the National Food Security Act, 2013 clearly lays down that identifying beneficiaries is the responsibility of the state government. He further explained that the central government only sends free rations to those people who are identified by the state.
Sharma alleged that the real reason behind the ration card cancellations was AAP’s own founder Prashant Bhushan. Bhushan had filed a case in the Supreme Court. He claimed that free ration was being received by the rich instead of the poor. Because of this, the Court passed orders ensuring that only eligible beneficiaries should receive free rations. Implementing this decision is the responsibility of state governments, since the Act grants this power to them. So, why is Bhagwant Mann blaming the central government?
BJP Threatens Stir Over Punjab Ration Irregularities
However, despite seeking three extensions of time on the Supreme Court, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann has failed to complete the verification process, yet continues to blame the Centre.
Sharma added that Bhagwant Mann objects to the verification being carried out under the Supreme Court’s orders. However, when he himself launched a verification drive in September 2022, was that not an injustice to beneficiaries?
Many genuine needy people were excluded during that verification drive. Names of AAP workers and leaders, who were not even eligible for free ration, were included. This is what has caused the present crisis.
Ashwani Sharma warned the government. He stated that they must stop “looting the rights of the poor.” If they do not, the BJP will launch a mass agitation on the streets. He demanded that the state government immediately release a transparent, district-wise report. They must ensure timely resolution of pending verifications. This will ensure that no beneficiary is deprived of their rightful entitlement.
