The Aryavarth Express
Agency(Bathinda): In a subtle critique aimed at Shiromani Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal, Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri expressed his disapproval of the use of politically charged statements at public events. His comments followed the virtual inauguration of AIIMS Bathinda, which was also addressed by Badal.
Badal, during the inauguration event presided over by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, brought up the contentious issue of protesting farmers. This move drew criticism from Puri, who was virtually present at the event. He emphasized that such platforms, especially those dedicated to significant developments like a medical facility, should not be politicized.
Puri remarked, “In this function that I attended virtually, I heard one particular person made a highly political speech. I don’t think an occasion like the dedication of a medical facility….. They take an oath and they are totally committed to human life and they’re apolitical…Look, the government of the Prime Minister is dealing with those problems in a manner no government has done before.”
He further expressed his disappointment over the timing and the platform chosen by Badal to voice other demands, labeling it as “unfortunate.” Puri highlighted the government’s efforts in addressing farmers’ issues, noting the increased Minimum Support Price (MSP) and benefits under the PM Kisan Samman Yojana. He added, “The reference to politics in today’s programme was unfortunate. I thought seasoned politicians should resist the temptation of injecting their own political frustration into occasions like this.”
The inauguration event was part of a larger initiative by PM Modi, who also inaugurated AIIMS facilities in Rae Bareli, Rajkot, Mangalagiri, and Kalyani. Modi emphasized that this was in fulfillment of a promise made to the people of Rae Bareli.
This incident comes against the backdrop of prolonged farmer protests and the breakdown of talks between the government and farmer representatives. The last discussion, which concluded on February 18, saw the government proposing to buy five crops at MSP for five years, an offer that was ultimately rejected by the farmers.
The political landscape has been turbulent, particularly following the controversy over the Centre’s now-repealed agriculture laws. This controversy led to the severing of ties between the SAD and BJP, which had been alliance partners since 1996. The SAD departed from the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in 2020, marking a significant shift in the political dynamics of the region.