Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has strongly criticized the BJP-led Union government over reports of a large-scale cancellation of ration cards in the state.
According to Mann, more than 8.02 lakh ration cards are set to be revoked under the Centre’s new criteria, a move that he said would deprive lakhs of families of their essential food supply. “If one ration card feeds four members, imagine how many households will be left without ration,” the CM said in a statement.
“From Vote Chor to Ration Chor”
Launching a scathing attack, Mann alleged that the Centre is attempting to snatch food security from Punjab’s people. “After stealing votes, they are now becoming ‘Ration Chor’. Punjab, which provides food for the entire country, is being deprived of its own share,” he remarked.
Dispute Over Eligibility Rules
Mann pointed out that the Centre’s parameters for cancellation include families with an annual turnover of Rs 25 lakh, ownership of a car, 2.5 acres of land, or having a government job. He said these conditions are unfair and would harm genuine beneficiaries. “We will not allow a single ration card to be cancelled unjustly,” he affirmed.
BJP’s Village Campaign Under Fire
The Chief Minister also questioned the BJP leaders’ ongoing outreach programmes in Punjab’s villages. “They are going door-to-door talking about their schemes, but will they also tell people that ration cards are being scrapped?” Mann asked.
Letter to the Centre
Mann revealed that he has already written to the Union government demanding that the decision be rolled back. He stressed that Punjab’s farmers and workers, who play a pivotal role in feeding the nation, should not be made victims of such policies.
