
Kejriwal acting as proxy CM in Punjab: BJP
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Patiala: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Punjab organised a large-scale 'Kisan Mazdoor Fateh Rally' in Rajpura of Patiala district on Sunday to celebrate the revocation of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) govt's anti-farmer land-pooling policy.
A substantial number of farmers and party workers participated in the rally.
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar launched a strong attack on AAP, demanding clarity on who framed the controversial land pooling policy. He stated, "It is astonishing that outsiders are running the Punjab govt. It was either Kejriwal or Manish Sisodia who framed the policy, while the chief secretary Punjab was made the chair of this committee.
Neither the chief minister nor his cabinet was involved, yet Punjabis are paying the price.
Kejriwal was working as proxy CM of Punjab whereas it was Bhagwant Mann for whom Punjabis had voted. I thank all farmers and BJP workers — it is because of your tireless efforts and pressure that this useless and anti-farmer policy has finally been revoked."
Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma asserted that BJP's consistent efforts at the block and tehsil levels compelled the govt to withdraw its anti-farmer agenda.
He added, "AAP's expiry date has arrived. The people of Punjab demand Modi govt for real change. Even promises like MSP on 24 crops by AAP remain unfulfilled. Punjab should look at its cousin Haryana, ruled by BJP, that offers MSP to farmers on all vegetables and fruits.
Today, roadway workers, teachers, doctors, etc, all are on roads, protesting. The AAP has thrown the entire governance system into chaos, and there is a complete collapse of governance in the state.
BJP will continue to raise the voice of every Punjabi in every vidhan sabha constituency."
BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh described the policy reversal as a "victory of Punjabiyat." He criticised AAP for turning Punjab into an 'ATM' to fund its Delhi politics. Chug stated, "chief minister Bhagwant Mann has reduced himself to a puppet CM, dancing to the tunes of leaders like Manish Sisodia and Satinder Jain, both of whom have already faced jail terms.
Punjab is being run not for the people, but for mafias and corrupt leaders.
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Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu hailed the cancellation of the land-pooling policy as a historic win for Punjab's farmers and remarked, "This is not just a political success but a fight for our land, and it is a victory for every farmer. Only the BJP can free Punjab from mounting debt and bring true relief through pro-people welfare schemes and development-driven governance."
Former Union minister Preneet Kaur thanked farmers and BJP workers for their support, saying, "The strength seen here today shows the power of BJP's family in Punjab. We have always stood with our people, and this rally is proof that BJP is on the path to victory in the 2027 assembly elections. This is truly a win for our farmers and Punjab."
At the 'Kisan Mazdoor Fateh Rally' in Rajpura, Satbir Singh Khatra, who is son of former Punjab police IG Ranbir Singh Khatra, joined BJP on Sunday.
Khatra, who holds MBA and LLB degrees, contested the 2017 assembly election from Patiala (rural) on a Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) ticket. Earlier, in 2012, he had contested as an independent candidate.
Satbir's father RS Khatra had headed SIT which cracked Bargari sacrilege and related cases in 2018. R S Khatra also cracked Maur blast case of 2017 but there was little progress in the case. Ashwini Sharma gave robe of honor to welcome Satbir in the party.
Earlier, Jakhar suggested CM Mann that if he again wanted to get chance to become CM, the only way is to conduct the vigilance raids at AAP Delhi leaders current residences in Chandigarh where the corruption and illegal money was being sent. Before him Tarun Chug had claimed that 'Tihar jail returned' AAP leaders were now busy in collecting illegal money while sitting at Chandigarh.
Present at the occasion were former ministers Manpreet Singh Badal Surjit Jayani, and others.
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