NITI Aayog meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi

Jalandhar, July 25: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Thursday announced that state government will boycott the NITI Aayog meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27 at New Delhi.

Terms the Budget as ‘Kursi Bachao Budget

Interacting with media persons here today, the Chief Minister explained that they decided to take action because the Union Budget failed to allocate funds to Punjab, despite the state’s significant contributions to the nation. Consequently, this decision reflects their frustration and the need to address the issue promptly.

He termed the Union Budget as “Kursi Bachao Budget” (Save the Chair Budget) and accused the central government of political vendetta against non-BJP ruled states. Bhagwant Singh Mann lamented that the Finance Minister ignored Punjab, a major grain-producing state, in the Budget. He pointed out that the announcement of providing ration to 80 crore people did not mention Punjab.

Chief Minister  Demands Special Status for Punjab

The Chief Minister emphasized that Punjab shares a 532-kilometer international border and has always stood for the nation’s interest. Nevertheless, he said that the union government has blocked roads and imposed a burden on the state. Furthermore, Bhagwant Singh Mann recalled his efforts to waive the Rs. 7.5 crore fee imposed by the Union Government for sending military forces during the Dinanagar and Pathankot attacks. Consequently, this highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Punjab despite its significant contributions.

Chief Minister assured that his government will raise its financial resources to make the state economically viable and demanded a special status for Punjab. He highlighted Punjab’s contributions to the freedom struggle and its role as the food bowl of India. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that farmers of the state were ignored, and barriers were raised to curb them.

Chief Minister Criticizes Union Government and Governor

The Chief Minister slammed the union government for withholding Rs. 10,000 crore from the state and the Governor for raising trivial issues daily. He assured that they will make every effort to ensure law and order and appealed to the Governor to avoid creating conflict.

 Elected Officials Should Appoint Vice Chancellors, Not Appointed Ones

Bhagwant Singh Mann said that elected representatives should make decisions regarding the appointment of Vice Chancellors of Universities, not selected ones.  He appealed to the Governor to refrain from creating an atmosphere of conflict, given the constitutional nature of the post.