Bhagwant Mann Slams Centre Over Ration Theft
CHANDIGARH : Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Union government, accusing it of conspiring to deprive 55 lakh citizens of free food grains under the Public Distribution System (PDS).
Addressing the media in Chandigarh, Mann alleged that out of the state’s 1.53 crore ration cards, the Centre is targeting over 55 lakh beneficiaries for exclusion. He said that 23 lakh poor people had already lost ration benefits in July on the pretext of incomplete Know Your Customer (KYC) details. Now, he claimed, another 32 lakh are under threat of being cut off from September 30.
“The Centre will not succeed in its anti-poor agenda. As long as I am the Chief Minister, not a single ration card will be struck off,” Mann declared.
Centre Accused of ‘Ration Theft’
The Chief Minister said the Union government, while boasting of feeding 80 crore people under the PDS, is planning to cancel over 8 lakh ration cards in Punjab. This move, he added, would deprive 32 lakh citizens of essential supplies.
Mann accused the BJP of shifting tactics from “vote theft” to “ration theft.” He argued that it was deeply unjust for the Centre to target Punjab, a state that produces food grains for the country’s self-reliance.
The CM strongly criticized the criteria used to justify card deletions, including ownership of a car, a government job in the family, or small landholdings. He stressed that punishing an entire household because one member met such conditions was unfair. “I challenge BJP leaders to showcase this so-called achievement in their ongoing outreach campaigns,” he said.
Call to Revise Exclusion Rules
Mann highlighted the contradictory nature of central policies. “On one hand, the Centre provides gas connections to the poor. On the other, it cancels ration benefits on the same grounds,” he said.
The CM said he had urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other senior leaders to relax the exclusion rules so that more poor families can benefit. The Punjab government, he added, has already sought a six-month extension to review the eligibility conditions.
“The BJP must stop treating Punjabis as beggars. We are not dependent on the Centre for dignity and rights. Punjabis will not surrender to pressure tactics,” Mann asserted.
Privacy Concerns and Political Accusations
Mann also criticized the BJP for organizing camps to collect personal data, claiming it was a violation of citizens’ privacy. He said legal action was being taken against such attempts. “We will not permit anyone to breach the privacy of Punjabis,” he said.
He further accused the BJP of manipulating voter rolls and attempting “backdoor power grabs” in different states. “These efforts will not succeed in Punjab,” the Chief Minister said.
Mann reiterated that his government is committed to safeguarding the interests of the state. “No stone will be left unturned to protect the rights of Punjabis,” he promised.
Flood Management Strategy in Punjab
On a different note, Mann said his government was working on a comprehensive mechanism to tackle the recurring floods caused by heavy rainfall in hilly regions. He noted that Punjab often bears the brunt of flooding, even when the rains occur outside the state.
The CM said officials had been directed to prepare a robust water management strategy after his visits to flood-affected areas. “We are channelizing water sources to prevent future devastation. A long-term solution is being developed,” he confirmed.