The Aryavarth Express
Agency (Punjab): In a compelling appeal to the voters of Punjab, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has urged citizens to seize their last chance to protect democracy and the Constitution in the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In his letter dated 27 May, Singh voiced deep concerns over the declining state of farmer incomes and the overall assault on democratic values under the current administration.
Singh criticized the current government’s failure to fulfill promises to the agricultural sector, particularly the unmet pledge to double farmers’ incomes by 202Instead, policies over the past decade have only diminished the earnings of farmers, with the national average income now at a meager Rs 27 per day and average debts soaring to Rs 27,000, according to the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO).
The veteran Congress leader also highlighted the harsh impact of high input costs and GST on farm-related equipment, which have severely affected farm households, pushing them to the margins of society. He recalled the sacrifice of 750 farmers, mostly from Punjab, who died protesting against the three farm laws, which were later repealed due to their persistence.
Singh contrasted these issues with the promises made by the Congress in their manifesto, which includes the five guarantees of ‘Kisan Nyay’ if the INDIA bloc is elected. He emphasized that only the Congress could ensure a progressive future where democracy and the Constitution are upheld.
Addressing broader economic issues, Singh pointed out the severe turmoil the nation’s economy has faced under the current regime, including demonetization, a flawed GST system, and mismanagement of the Covid-19 pandemic, all contributing to a dismal economic growth forecast and heightened inequality.
Furthermore, Singh criticized the government’s handling of employment, particularly the impact on the youth, with 30 lakh government job vacancies and frequent exam paper leaks undermining their future prospects. He also took aim at the controversial Agnipath/Agniveer scheme as a betrayal of young people’s expectations of stable recruitment in the armed forces.
Condemning the current leadership’s approach to national discourse, Singh accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of engaging in divisive hate speeches and undermining the dignity of his office.
In his concluding remarks, Singh appealed to the voters of Punjab to choose a path of love, peace, fraternity, and harmony, marking a stark contrast to the contentious and polarized environment that has characterized recent national issues.
