Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Thursday announced that his government will boycott the NITI Aayog meeting called by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 27 in New Delhi. The dramatic decision, aimed squarely at the heart of the Central Government, comes in response to what Mann decried as a blatant disregard for Punjab’s significant contributions to the nation, dubbing the Union Budget of being a “Kursi Bachao Budget” that sidelines non-BJP ruled states.
In solidarity with the INDI Alliance (INDIA), the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led State Government joined the boycott of NITI Aayog meeting. The decision aligned with the stance taken by other non-NDA states, including Himachal Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. These states have also expressed similar grievances regarding the Union Budget's perceived neglect of non-BJP-ruled states.
The boycott follows announcements by Congress and DMK to also abstain from the meeting. The INDI Alliance has collectively criticized the central budget for ignoring the needs of states not governed by the NDA.
Up until the Chief Minister’s announcement on Thursday, preparations for the NITI Aayog meeting were underway in the Chief Minister’s office, including drafting Mann’s speech. The Chief Minister had planned to address the Central Government regarding the outstanding Rs 10,000 crore, emphasizing the need for funds allocated to rural development and mandi development funds.
Justifying his decision, Mann criticized the Union Budget for failing to give Punjab “special” preference despite its significant contributions to the nation. “If Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh receive special status, why can't Punjab? We are also a landlocked state,” he asserted.
Mann, interacting with media in Jalandhar on Thursday, expressed deep disappointment with the Union Budget, accusing the Central Government of political vendetta against non-BJP ruled states, including Punjab. Mann highlighted that despite Punjab's significant contributions to the nation's food security and economy, the state was conspicuously ignored in the recent budget allocations.
“The Union Budget has failed to allocate necessary funds to Punjab, which is a main and major grain-producing state. The Finance Minister’s announcement of providing ration to 80 crore people did not mention Punjab, which is an outright neglect of our farmers’ contributions,” said Mann.
Emphasizing Punjab's pivotal role in the nation's security and economy, Mann said: “With a 532-kilometer international border, Punjab has always been at the forefront of national interest.” He recalled his efforts to waive off Rs 7.5 crore charge imposed by the Union Government for sending military forces during the Dinanagar and Pathankot attacks, highlighting the financial burdens placed on the State.
Mann assured that his government would seek alternative financial resources to make Punjab economically viable and demanded a special status for the State. He underlined Punjab's historical contributions to the freedom struggle and its vital role as the food bowl of India, arguing that these contributions warrant better treatment from the central government.
The Chief Minister criticized the central government for withholding Rs 10,000 crore from Punjab, including crucial funds for rural development and mandi development. “What's the need to attend such meetings if our demands won't be met? The word ‘Punjab’ wasn't even mentioned in the budget. We contribute 47 percent to the nation's food bowl, and the ration distributed by the Centre comes from Punjab,” Mann said. He also pointed out that while other states' police forces primarily serve their states, 30 percent of Punjab’s police work to protect the nation’s borders.
Questioning the Centre's approach, Mann asked if it intends to govern with just two states while sidelining those where they don’t secure electoral victories. “Will the Centre run the government with just two states and ignore the others?” he queried, underscoring the perceived political vendetta against non-BJP ruled states.
He also expressed frustration with the Governor’s frequent raising of what he called “trivial issues”, urging cooperation rather than conflict. Mann also touched on the governance issues, asserting that decisions regarding the appointment of Vice-Chancellors of Universities should rest with elected representatives, not appointed officials. He appealed to the Governor to maintain the constitutional decorum of his position and avoid creating an atmosphere of conflict.
SAD Condemns CM’s Boycott of Niti Aayog Meeting, Calls it “Suicidal” for Punjab
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Thursday vehemently condemned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s decision to boycott the upcoming Niti Aayog meeting, calling it suicidal for Punjab’s interests.
Senior SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema criticized the move, emphasizing that the Niti Aayog meeting is a crucial platform for states to present their specific needs and influence central policies. “This forum allows states to advocate for tailored schemes and counter the one-size-fits-all approach of central programs,” Cheema stated.
Cheema accused Mann of prioritizing politics over Punjab’s welfare by aligning with the Congress-led boycott. He highlighted the lack of consultation with the Vidhan Sabha and other political parties before making this decision.
He urged the Chief Minister to reconsider and attend the meeting, stressing the importance of presenting Punjab's case effectively to the Niti Aayog. “Boycotting the meeting forfeits an essential opportunity to hold the Union Government accountable for its neglect of Punjab in the Union Budget 2024,” Cheema asserted, calling for Mann to fulfill his constitutional duties and protect Punjab’s interests.
