Amid protests, G RAM G pamphlets undistributed

The pamphlets highlighting features of the BJP-led Centre’s new rural employment plan remained undistributed at the party’s Moga rally even as farm and labour unions continue to oppose the scheme.

The Centre replaced the UPA-era MGNREGA with with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act.

The pamphlets were printed by the BJP’s state unit to inform people about the scheme and counter criticism from its opponents.

Bundles of the pamphlets were kept at several points at the rally venue for distribution but these were not circulated even by the time the rally concluded. The pamphlets explained features of the new job plan, distinguishing it from the MGNREGA. These ended with the message, “Let us support this transparent system so that every village becomes self-reliant by 2047 and we can contribute to realising the dream of a developed India”.

The pamphlets had pictures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, state BJP working president Ashwani Sharma, Union Minister JP Nadda, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, former CM Amarinder Singh and Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu.

Charged up supporters

The crowd appeared charged throughout the speeches. Every time leaders raised key political issues, supporters responded with loud cheers and slogans in favour of the party leadership. Many attendees carried photo placards of Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah. “I came from Faridkot district in the morning. We wanted to hear what the leaders had to say about Punjab’s future,” said Gurpreet Singh, a farmer.

A huge cut-out of Maharaja Ranjit Singh dominated the rally venue, drawing attention from participants.

Women cops left stranded

Lapses in logistical arrangements also came to light, leaving hundreds of deployed police personnel — particularly women constables — stranded after completing their duty.

With “no department transport available” following the conclusion of the rally, many women police employees were seen seeking lifts in private buses arranged by the BJP to ferry party supporters to the venue. Women personnel were seen boarding these buses. The situation led to visible resentment among the deployed personnel. “We are here to maintain order, but we can’t even get a ride back to the station,” said a constable. However, Moga SP BK Singla said that transportation arrangements had been made for police personnel deployed at the rally.

“The problems occurred due to heavy traffic snarls after the event,” he said.