CM Announces Boycott of NITI Aayog Meeting
Terms the Budget as ‘Kursi Bachao Budget’ and Urges Governor to Avoid Raising Trivial Issues
Jalandhar, July 25:
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann announced on Thursday that the state government will boycott the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting convened by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27 in New Delhi.
During a media interaction, the Chief Minister explained that the decision was made in response to the Union Budget’s failure to allocate funds to Punjab, despite its significant contributions to the nation. He labeled the Union Budget as the “Kursi Bachao Budget” (Save the Chair Budget) and accused the central government of political vendetta against non-BJP ruled states. Mann lamented that Punjab, a major grain-producing state, was overlooked in the Budget, with the Finance Minister’s announcement of providing ration to 80 crore people excluding any mention of Punjab
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The Chief Minister underscored Punjab’s crucial role, noting its 532-kilometer international border and its steadfast commitment to the nation’s interests. He criticized the central government for blocking roads and imposing financial burdens on the state. Mann recalled his efforts to waive off the Rs. 7.5 crore imposed by the Union Government for deploying military forces during the Dinanagar and Pathankot attacks.
Mann assured that his government would raise financial resources to make Punjab economically viable and demanded special status for the state. He highlighted Punjab’s significant contributions to the freedom struggle and its role as the food bowl of India, expressing disappointment that the state’s farmers were ignored and faced unnecessary barriers.
The Chief Minister also condemned the central government for withholding Rs. 10,000 crore from the state and criticized the Governor for raising trivial issues daily. Mann assured that his administration would maintain law and order and appealed to the Governor to avoid creating conflict. He insisted that decisions regarding the appointment of Vice Chancellors of universities should be made by elected representatives, not appointed ones, urging the Governor to respect the constitutional nature of his position and refrain from fostering an atmosphere of conflict.
