Chandigarh, March 13 Ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah's political rally in Moga on Saturday, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Friday criticised the Centre for allegedly withholding funds to the state and asked state BJP leaders to seek clarification from Amit Shah regarding "discrimination" against the state.
Cheema accused the BJP government of consistently favouring other states and treating Punjab unfairly for several years.
He said that despite four years of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, the Centre has repeatedly "blocked" legitimate funds and attempted to weaken the state's economy.
"Punjab has always stood firmly with the nation, from the freedom struggle to feeding the country through its farmers. Punjabis made immense sacrifices for India's independence and have contributed immensely to the country's food security since the green revolution. Yet today, the BJP-led Centre is deliberately sidelining Punjab," Cheema claimed here.
The Punjab minister alleged that after the repeal of the three farm laws following massive protests led by Punjab's farmers, the BJP leadership developed "resentment" towards Punjab and has since been trying to economically "undermine" the state.
"The Centre has withheld thousands of crores of rupees belonging to Punjab under several schemes, including the Rural Development Fund (RDF)," Cheema claimed.
He recalled that in 2022, the central government had raised objections claiming the RDF money was being misused.
"The Punjab government immediately amended the law to ensure that RDF funds would be used strictly for rural mandis and village roads connected with agriculture. Despite that, the Centre continues to withhold Punjab's dues," he added.
Cheema stated that he has repeatedly raised these concerns during meetings with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and demanded the release of Punjab's pending funds under the RDF, the National Health Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
However, the Centre has consistently delayed payments on one pretext or another, he said.
Cheema said the BJP-led Centre also attempted to "weaken" Punjab's rights over water resources.
Referring to the Sutlej Yamuna Link canal issue and disputes related to the Bhakra Beas Management Board, Cheema said the Centre has repeatedly tried to "undermine" Punjab's rightful share of water.
"Punjab has always fulfilled its commitments to neighbouring states, including Haryana, but the BJP-led Centre continues to push decisions that threaten Punjab's rights. Punjab will never compromise on its legitimate claims," said Cheema.
Cheema also questioned whether the proposed India-US trade arrangements in agriculture would harm Indian farmers.
He said the Modi government appears to be allowing "external pressure" to dictate economic decisions affecting Indian farmers and traders, which could jeopardise the livelihoods of millions.
He urged Punjab BJP leaders, including Sunil Jakhar, Ravneet Singh Bittu and Ashwani Sharma, to show courage and raise Punjab's concerns directly with Amit Shah during the rally.
"If they truly care about Punjab, they must demand from Amit Shah the immediate release of all pending funds, RDF dues, National Health Mission funds, money under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, as well as compensation for the financial losses Punjab suffered after the implementation of GST," said Cheema.
