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Key Points

Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has launched a fierce attack against the BJP-led central government over its move to discontinue free ration for 55 lakh state residents. He accused the Centre of shifting from "vote theft" to "ration theft" by using exclusionary criteria like vehicle ownership and small landholdings to cancel ration cards. The CM vowed that not a single ration card would be deleted under his watch and challenged BJP leaders to defend this anti-poor move during their outreach programs. Mann warned the Union government against treating Punjabis as beggars while emphasizing that the state would strongly oppose this discriminatory policy.

Key Points: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann Accuses BJP of Ration Theft Scheme

  • Centre threatens to discontinue free ration for 32 lakh more Punjabis from September 30
  • BJP accused of using KYC excuse to cancel 8 lakh ration cards
  • Mann criticizes exclusion criteria like car ownership and small landholdings
  • Punjab government demands six-month review window to protect beneficiaries
3 min read

Punjab CM accuses BJP of shifting from 'vote theft' to 'ration theft'

Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann slams BJP for threatening to remove 55 lakh people from free ration scheme, vowing to protect every ration card in the state.

"As long as I am the Chief Minister, not a single ration card will be deleted - Bhagwant Singh Mann"

Chandigarh, Aug 23

Accusing the BJP of shifting from “vote theft” to “ration theft”, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Saturday criticised the party for their anti-people stance aimed at depriving 55 lakh state residents of free food grains under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

The Chief Minister told the media here that out of 1.53 crore ration cards in the state, the BJP-led government in the Centre has conspired to discontinue free ration being given to 55 lakh poor. He said, making an excuse of not having Know Your Customer (KYC), the Centre had already stopped free ration for 23 lakh poor in July, and now they have threatened to discontinue this benefit from 32 lakh more individuals from September 30.

However, Mann said the Central government will not succeed in its evil motives, and he will not allow them to strike off even a single card. The Chief Minister said while the BJP claims to be pro-people and boasts of providing food grains to 80 crore people through the PDS, it is now attempting to cancel 8,02,493 ration cards in Punjab. This, he said, would effectively deprive around 32 lakh people of their entitlement to free rations.

Mann accused the BJP of shifting from “vote theft” to “ration theft,” asserting that it is especially unjust to target Punjab, a state that produces foodgrains to make the country self-reliant. The Chief Minister criticised the rationale being used to delete ration cards, which includes ownership of four-wheelers, government jobs, small landholdings, and income.

He pointed out the absurdity of penalising entire families when just one member may fulfil one of these criteria. Mann said as long as “he is the Chief Minister, not a single ration card will be deleted”. He dared the BJP leaders to showcase this “achievement” during their ongoing mass outreach programmes.

The Chief Minister also ridiculed the contradictory nature of Central government schemes, one offering gas connections to the poor while another withdraws benefits on the same basis. He said the BJP’s anti-poor agenda has been exposed, and reiterated that he has urged the Prime Minister and other Central leaders to reconsider the exclusionary criteria. He emphasised the need to relax these conditions so that the maximum number of economically weaker and underprivileged people can benefit.

The Chief Minister made it clear that the Punjab government will strongly oppose this discriminatory move and has already requested a six-month window to thoroughly review the matter.

He warned the Union government to stop treating Punjabis as beggars, adding that the people of Punjab are not dependent on the Centre for their dignity and rights. Mann asserted that Punjabis will not succumb to the pressure tactics of the Union government and will not surrender their legitimate rights.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
My family has a small car that my brother uses for his job. Does that mean we don't need ration? This policy makes no sense. One family member having something doesn't make the whole family rich.
A
Aman W
While I support protecting ration cards, the government should also ensure that benefits reach only those who genuinely need them. There should be a balanced approach, not just political rhetoric.
S
Sarah B
Living in Punjab for 5 years now, I've seen how important ration is for daily wage workers. This move will hurt the most vulnerable. Government should reconsider these exclusion criteria.
V
Vikram M
Punjab contributes so much to India's food security. It's heartbreaking to see our people being treated like this. Centre should respect the annadaata instead of punishing them. 🚜
K
Kiran H
The contradiction in schemes is ridiculous! One day they give gas connection to poor, next day they take ration because you have gas connection. Make up your mind, Delhi!

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