Jagraon: BJP defends VB-G RAM G Act amid labour union protest

Jakhar said the law’s aim is to ensure that benefits reach the rightful beneficiaries instead of being siphoned off by middlemen, contractors or political leaders. He said, “The Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working on the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’, and the new law was meant to strengthen rural development and empower weaker sections.”

Cautioning people against what he termed as a disinformation campaign, Jakhar said the real intention behind opposing the law was to prevent people from knowing the truth. “If people understand the scheme, they will start questioning why the AAP failed to provide 100 days of employment in the previous years.”

Taking a swipe at the Congress, Jakhar alleged that the party was functioning like the AAP’s “B-team” in Punjab. He said Congress leaders had failed to raise public issues or speak out against alleged corruption in the state, and had “surrendered” before Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

Jakhar also alleged that the CM had compromised Punjab’s honour by placing it “at the feet of Arvind Kejriwal”.

Referring to the law and order situation, Jakhar said Punjab was witnessing a steady deterioration, forcing people to live in fear. He recalled that during the Tarn Taran by-election, AAP convener Kejriwal had promised to eliminate gangsters within a week, and had now announced a “Phase Two”. “Nothing has changed on the ground, and gangsters continue to kill the sons of Punjab,” he alleged.

Jakhar concluded that people of Punjab were now looking towards the BJP with hope, believing that only a strong and decisive government could pull the state out of the present crisis.

Meanwhile, PMU president Tarsem Peter said that union leader Avtar Singh Rasulpur, district leaders Sukhdev Singh Manoke and Madan Lal were detained when they opposed Jakhar’s visit and the G RAM G law. “The workers were not allowed to enter the rally venue, so they raised slogans outside before being detained and taken to Galib police chowki,” Peter said. He also said the leaders were released later in the evening.