In a poignant and impassioned appeal to the people of Punjab, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh addressed the nation, urging voters to safeguard India’s democratic values and constitutional integrity in the face of what he described as the “repeated assaults of a despotic regime.” As the country approaches the last phase of voting, Singh’s message was clear: the power to protect India’s democratic fabric lies in the hands of its citizens.
Highlighting the resilience and spirit of sacrifice inherent in Punjab’s history, Singh called upon Punjabis to rise to the occasion. He praised their indomitable courage and commitment to democratic ethos, emphasizing that their collective will could steer the nation away from the perils of dictatorship.
पिछले 10 सालों में नरेंद्र मोदी और भाजपा ने पंजाब, पंजाबी और पंजाबियत को लगातार ज़ख्म दिए हैं।
— Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) May 30, 2024
कांग्रेस की गारंटियां पंजाब समेत पूरे देश के ज़ख्मों के लिए मरहम का काम करेंगी।
पूर्व प्रधानमंत्री डॉ. मनमोहन सिंह जी ने पंजाब की जनता से एक भावुक अपील की है। pic.twitter.com/dXp666u6MV
Singh criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for its treatment of Punjab and its people, particularly in the context of the farmers’ protests against the three contentious farm laws. He lamented the loss of 750 farmers, predominantly from Punjab, who lost their lives while protesting at Delhi’s borders. Singh condemned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s derogatory remarks about the protesting farmers, calling them “Andolanjeevis” (professional protesters) and “Parjeevi” (parasites).
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“The only demand of these farmers was the withdrawal of the three farm laws imposed on them without any consultation,” Singh stated, contrasting this with the BJP’s unmet promise to double farmers’ incomes by 2022. He detailed the economic hardships faced by farmers under the current administration, citing statistics from the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) to underscore the decline in their earnings and increase in debt.
Singh extolled the achievements of the previous Congress-UPA government, which he led, in supporting agriculture through measures like the ₹72,000 crore loan waiver and increased Minimum Support Prices (MSP). He highlighted the Congress party’s “Kisaan Nyay” guarantees in their manifesto, which include legal assurance of MSP, a stable agricultural export-import policy, and the removal of GST on farm inputs.
Turning to the broader economic landscape, Singh criticized the BJP’s handling of the economy, citing demonetization, flawed GST implementation, and mismanagement during the COVID-19 pandemic. He pointed out the reduction in GDP growth to below 6% under the BJP, compared to 8% during the Congress-UPA tenure. Singh also addressed the issues of rising unemployment and inflation, and the consequent widening inequality.
Singh expressed particular concern for the youth, pointing out the numerous government vacancies and the impact of frequent exam paper leaks on their future. He promoted the Congress party’s “Yuva Nyay” guarantees, which include systematic filling of government vacancies, half reserved for women, and the establishment of fast-track courts for handling cases of paper leaks.
He also criticized the BJP’s Agniveer Scheme for the Armed Forces, describing it as a betrayal to the youth aspiring for a career in the military. “The BJP thinks the value of patriotism, bravery, and service is only four years,” Singh said, promising that the Congress would abolish the scheme if elected.
Singh recalled the various initiatives undertaken by his government to support Punjab, including the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor, a new oil refinery in Bhatinda, and the establishment of educational institutions like IIT Ropar and the National Law University in Patiala. He contrasted this with the BJP’s consistent denial of funds to Punjab when the Congress was in power in the state.
In closing, Singh criticized Modi for his divisive rhetoric and urged voters to reject hate and division. “With folded hands, I appeal to each one of you to give love, peace, fraternity, and harmony a chance in India,” he said. He called on all Punjabis, especially the youth, to vote for a future of development and inclusive progress under the Congress party.
Quoting Allama Iqbal, Singh paid tribute to India’s pluralistic civilization and urged voters to choose a path that would safeguard democracy and the Constitution. His message resonated as a call to action for all who believe in a united and democratic India.
