Amritsar MP Aujla slams BJP for denying Dr Manmohan Singh place at Rajghat

Congress leader Gurjeet Singh Aujla criticised the BJP on Monday for not allocating space within the Rajghat complex in New Delhi for the last rites of former Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, who passed away in December of last year.

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Speaking during the discussion on The Finance Bill 2025 in Lok Sabha, Amritsar MP Aujla said, "Everyone pays income tax, but GST also comes with it, which everyone pays. There is also a separate tax on fuel, which every person pays. However, the share of this collected tax does not reach the middle class and the poor class."

He said the BJP talks about making the country a trillion-dollar economy. However, he questioned the saffron party's claim saying, "When the GDP in 2024 in this country is not moving beyond 6.4 per cent, it raises a question."

Congress leader Aujla then cornered the BJP over not allocating space to former PM Dr Singh at the Rajghat complex saying, "The foundation of this country's economy was laid by Dr Manmohan Singhjee. Dr Manmohan Singhjee is not only acknowledged in his own country, but he is also acknowledged by other developed countries of the world. Talk to anyone about him across the party, caste, or religious lines, everyone respects him."

He added, "But sir, I have regret about one thing. When Vajpayeejee passed away, we felt good that they (BJP) did his final rites in a good way. But what happened to you at the time of Dr Manmohanjee? Didn't you remember him? Why didn't you give him a place at Rajghat? The person who laid the economic foundation for this country, why shouldn't he get a place?" Congress leader from Punjab Aujla highlighted the reforms of former PM Singh, mentioning that it was because of him that from 2005 to 2016, the livelihood of the poor in the country increased by 183 per cent. He said during his tenure, the MSP of wheat was increased 119 per cent in 10 years.

"In your government, it has increased by 47 per cent," MP Aujla said. He also said that during the late PM's tenure, the MSP of rice was increased by 135 per cent, while in the BJP government, it has increased by 50 per cent. Amritsar MP Aujla said during Dr Singh's 10 years, 1 lakh factories were set up in the country, while during the BJP government, "only 24,000" factories were set up.