Bhagwant Mann Slams BJP Over KYC, Assures Protection of Ration Cards

Punjab free ration scheme: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann today strongly criticized the anti-people policy of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) aimed at depriving 55 lakh citizens of the state of free food grains under the Public Distribution System (PDS). Addressing reporters here, the Chief Minister said that out of the total 1.53 crore ration cards in the state, the BJP government has conspired to stop free rations to 55 lakh poor people.

He said that on the pretext of not having KYC, the central government had stopped free ration for 23 lakh poor people in July this year, and now it has threatened to stop this benefit for 32 lakh more people from September 30. However, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the central government will not succeed in its nefarious intentions, and he will not let them cancel even a single card.

Claims to be public-spirited

The Chief Minister said that while the BJP claims to be pro-people and claims to have provided food grains to 80 crore people through the Public Distribution System (PDS), it is now trying to cancel 802,493 ration cards in Punjab. This will deprive about 32 lakh people of their entitlement to free rations, he said. Bhagwant Singh Mann accused the BJP of moving from “vote theft” to “ration theft” and asserted that it is particularly unjust to target Punjab—a state that produces food grains to make the country self-reliant.

Not a single ration card will be removed

The Chief Minister criticized the arguments being used to remove ration cards, which include ownership of a four-wheeler, government job, small land, and income. He pointed out the absurdity of penalizing an entire family when there could be just one member fulfilling any one of these criteria. Bhagwant Singh Mann categorically stated that not a single ration card will be removed as long as he is the Chief Minister. He challenged BJP leaders in the state to showcase this 'achievement' during their ongoing Jan Sampark programs.

'Anti-poor agenda'

The Chief Minister also mocked the contradictory nature of the Central Government's schemes—one scheme gives gas connections to the poor while another withdraws benefits on the same grounds. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the BJP's anti-poor agenda stands exposed and reiterated that he has urged the Prime Minister and other central leaders to reconsider the exclusion criteria. He stressed the need to relax these conditions so that more and more economically weaker and deprived people can benefit.

'Discriminatory move'

The Chief Minister made it clear that the Punjab Government will strongly oppose this discriminatory move and has already sought six months' time to thoroughly review the matter. He warned the Central Government to stop treating Punjabis like beggars. He said that the people of Punjab are not dependent on the Centre for their dignity and rights. Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that Punjabis will not bow down to the pressure of the Central Government and will not give up their legitimate rights.

'Dying of hunger due to wrong policies'

The Chief Minister said that though Punjab has traditionally enjoyed a better standard of living than many other states, it has suffered adversely due to the misgovernance of previous governments. Therefore, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Centre should amend the terms and conditions of these schemes to ensure that eligible beneficiaries are not denied assistance. He reminded the Prime Minister that his dream of making India a Vishwaguru cannot be realized as long as 32 lakh people in Punjab are dying of hunger due to technical and wrong policies.

'Violation of rights'

The Chief Minister vowed that the state government will not allow the Government of India to violate the rights of its people. Replying to a question, Bhagwant Singh Mann said legal action is being taken against BJP leaders because they are trying to violate the privacy of citizens by organizing camps to collect personal data—something that will not be allowed.

'Fraud in lists'

The Chief Minister further said that the BJP has already been exposed in several states for manipulating voter lists and trying to gain power through the backdoor. However, he said that such attempts will not succeed in Punjab, and the government will ensure that the privacy of citizens is protected. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the Punjab government is committed to protecting the interests of the state and its people, and no stone will be left unturned in this noble cause.

Effect of heavy rain

To a separate question, the Chief Minister said the state government was working on streamlining water resources to prevent heavy rains in the hilly areas from causing havoc in Punjab. He pointed out the irony that the hilly areas receive rain, but Punjab faces the maximum brunt. Bhagwant Singh Mann said a comprehensive mechanism was being developed to deal with the problem, and he had already directed the officials to prepare a strong strategy after visiting.