Modi is scheduled to kick off his campaign in Punjab with a rally in Patiala on May 23, followed by rallies in Gurdaspur and Jalandhar on May 24…reports Asian Lite News
Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal announced on Tuesday that farmers will show black flags in protest against Prime Minister Narendra Modi during his visit to Punjab for election campaigning.
This decision was made at a rally organised by the Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM) in Jagraon, Ludhiana district. Modi is scheduled to kick off his campaign in Punjab with a rally in Patiala on May 23, followed by rallies in Gurdaspur and Jalandhar on May 24.
In Patiala, the BJP has fielded Preneet Kaur, a four-time Member of Parliament. Sushil Rinku is the BJP candidate in Jalandhar, while former MLA Dinesh Babbu is running in Gurdaspur. After the rally in Jagraon, Rajewal told reporters, “We have decided today that when Modi comes to Punjab, we will hold a protest against him by showing black flags.”
Rajewal stated that farmers have been opposing BJP leaders since the Lok Sabha elections were announced, criticizing Modi’s policies as pro-corporate. He assured that the protests would remain peaceful.
During the rally, farmer leaders highlighted their ongoing dissatisfaction with the BJP government, accusing it of failing to fulfill promises such as doubling farmers’ income, enacting a law on minimum support price (MSP), and implementing the Swaminathan Commission’s recommendations.
Throughout the election campaign, BJP candidates in Punjab have faced protests from farmers, who have been questioning them and showing black flags in response to unmet demands.
Farmers from various organizations are particularly frustrated with the BJP-led central government for not legislating an MSP guarantee. They also expressed anger over being prevented from marching to Delhi, leading them to camp at border points like Shambhu and Khanauri between Punjab and Haryana.
The SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha are leading the ‘Delhi Chalo’ march, demanding that the government legally guarantee MSP for crops. The polling for Punjab’s 13 Lok Sabha seats is set for June 1.
Mann predicts end to Badal family’s political reign
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann launched a scathing attack on the Badal family during a rally on Tuesday, declaring that the current Lok Sabha elections will mark the “end of politics” for the influential political dynasty. In his speech, Mann used the satirical poem ‘Kikkli’ to mock Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal, chanting, “Kikkli kaleer di, buri halat Sukhbir di.”
Mann emphasized that the people of Punjab are eager to move past the Badal family’s political influence. Highlighting that Harsimrat Kaur Badal, the SAD candidate for the Bathinda seat, is the only family member yet to experience electoral defeat, Mann suggested it was now her turn. He urged voters to support AAP candidate Gurmeet Singh Khuddian, praising him as an honest and sincere leader who previously defeated five-time Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal in the 2022 assembly elections.
Describing Khuddian as dedicated, hardworking, and a true representative for the people, Mann highlighted his achievements as the state’s agriculture minister and underscored his commitment to serving Bathinda’s interests in Parliament.
Mann’s rally in Bathinda, a SAD stronghold where Harsimrat Kaur Badal has been a three-time MP, was followed by a road show in Fazilka to support AAP candidate Jagdeep Singh Kaka Brar. Mann noted the enthusiasm of the crowd as a clear sign of impending victory for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Ferozepur.
The Chief Minister also criticized the BJP for appealing to voters based on caste and religion. In contrast, he called on people to vote based on the work his government has accomplished over the past two years. Mann listed his administration’s achievements, including providing free electricity, purchasing a private thermal power plant, creating 43,000 government jobs for youth, establishing ‘aam aadmi clinics’ for healthcare, and building ‘Schools of Eminence’ for better education.
He also reiterated his commitment to fulfilling the promise of providing Rs 1,000 per month to women in Punjab. Mann’s confident declaration of his government’s accomplishments aimed to present a stark contrast to the legacy of the Badal family, positioning the AAP as the party of progress and honesty.
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