25 Jul 2024 12:05 PM.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s decision to abstain from the NITI Aayog meeting highlights the ongoing tensions between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the central government. This move is not just a personal choice but a statement against what Mann and his party perceive as systemic discrimination against Punjab by the central Authorities.
The NITI Aayog meeting, scheduled to be chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is themed “Viksit Bharat @ 2047: Role of Team India,” focusing on crucial issues such as health, women’s empowerment, and infrastructure development. However, Mann’s absence underscores a significant political protest. His decision to skip the meeting is rooted in grievances over the withholding of essential funds and support from the central government, particularly the Rural Development Fund (RDF), which amounts to ₹4,000 crore. The AAP has accused the central government of reducing this fund, stopping the Mandi tax, and delaying projects that are vital for Punjab’s development.
Mann’s boycott is part of a broader strategy by opposition leaders to express their dissent against the central government. He is not alone; other chief ministers, including Arvind Kejriwal from Delhi and Mamata Banerjee from West Bengal, have also announced their abstention from the meeting. This collective action reflects a growing rift between state governments led by opposition parties and the BJP-led central government, particularly on issues of federal funding and local governance.
The backdrop of this protest is the ongoing tussle between AAP and the central government, which has escalated over various issues, including the controversial ordinance on services in Delhi. Mann’s initial intention to attend the meeting and raise these pressing issues indicates a willingness to engage with the central government, but the lack of responsiveness from the Centre has led to a shift towards outright protest.
This boycott raises questions about the effectiveness of NITI Aayog as a platform for collaborative governance. When key state leaders choose to abstain, it undermines the very purpose of such meetings, which are intended to foster cooperation and address regional disparities. The implications of this political maneuvering could extend beyond just this meeting, potentially affecting future interactions between state and central governments.
In conclusion, Bhagwant Mann’s decision to skip the NITI Aayog meeting is a significant political statement reflecting the ongoing conflict between state interests and central policies. It serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by regional governments in advocating for their constituents in the face of perceived neglect and discrimination by the central authorities.
source: ANI
