Punjab's former chief minister and Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi takes a dig at the Central government, holding them accountable for farmers being called 'Khalistanis'. Channi, today, during a debate in parliament’s lower house on the Union Budget, further slammed the government for ignoring Punjab in Budget 2024-2025.
"Farmers are called Khalistani when they make demands, which aren't fulfilled. This is also an emergency," he said.
He then added, "It's not a budget to save the country, it's just to save their government. They haven't addressed the floods in Punjab, haven't raised wages, and have ignored Punjab in this budget. Jalandhar was declared a smart city, but it still has dirty water and a significant drug problem."
During his speech in the Lok Sabha, Channi expressed concerns about the state of the country, citing several issues that he believes indicate an "undeclared emergency". These issues include the slow progress in the Sidhu Moosewala case, actions taken against opposition leaders, and alleged mistreatment of various groups such as farmers, women athletes, and journalists.
"The country is facing an undeclared emergency and the BJP is responsible," Channi said.
Channi also mentioned the ongoing unrest in Manipur and the Hathras gang rape case, where he claimed the victim's cremation was rushed.
Channi criticised the central government, stating that they had lost touch with the people after ten years in power. He pointed out the absence of the prime minister and finance minister during the important budget discussion, questioning their sincerity.
Channi shared his personal experience, highlighting the importance of education and slamming the BJP's decision to cut scholarships for minorities and Dalit children in 2014. He also discussed economic issues, such as the depreciation of the rupee and rising fuel prices, comparing the performance of the current government to that of the previous Congress government.
"Their seats are empty. They need to explain the budget, but no one is here. This is your sincerity?" he asked.
Channi said, "I come from a poor family and got my education thanks to the Congress government. The BJP's worst move in 2014 was cutting scholarships for minorities and Dalit children." Slamming the depreciation of the rupee, Channi claimed, "The dollar's value increased by Rs 25 in ten years, whereas during (ex-PM) Manmohan Singh's time, it only increased by Rs 13 in ten years. Sometimes, it feels like there's a competition between the rupee and the government to see which falls faster."
Additionally, Channi expressed concerns about privatization, specifically mentioning the takeover of airports by Adani. He contrasted his own simple wedding with the lavish spending of the prime minister, commenting on the similarity between the current government and the British colonial rulers.
The session was briefly adjourned due to a heated exchange between Channi and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu, who engaged in a verbal spat over personal remarks.
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