LoP for joint resolution on Bharat Ratna for former PM

The Leader of the Opposition (LoP) in the Punjab Asembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Sunday urged all parties to pass a joint resolution in the House seeking Bharat Ratna for former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh.

Bajwa said cutting across the party lines, he has written to all of his colleagues in the Vidhan Sabha for honouring the former Prime Minister, whose contributions “profoundly shaped India’s destiny” through the economic reforms initiated by him as a Finance Minister in 1991.

“I have also proposed forming an all-party delegation to meet PM Narendra Modi in this regard. Honouring Dr Manmohan Singh with the Bharat Ratna will not only celebrate his extraordinary contributions but also reaffirm our shared commitment to democracy, integrity and excellence in public service,” he said.

Confer ‘Panth Ratan’ title on ex-PM, Jathedar urged

Besides, Pradesh Congress Committee chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has written to Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Raghbir Singh for bestowing the title of ‘Panth Rattan’ upon the former PM.

Warring’s letter comes days after SAD leader Sukhbir Singh Badal wrote to the SGPC seeking the installation of Manmohan Singh’s portrait at Sikh Museum in the Golden Temple complex.

Warring said the former PM should be considered for the ‘Panth Rattan’ by virtue of being the first Sikh PM of India. He said the former PM had tendered an apology in Parliament for the 1984 anti-Sikh riots and also made special arrangements for financial aid and rehabilitation of the victims.

He said Manmohan Singh had waived farmers’ debt to the tune of Rs 60,000 crore and also ensured the repair and upkeep of several gurdwaras in the country.

Warring added that the former PM had also played a vital role in establishment of the Kartarpur corridor.