In a heartfelt letter addressed to Punjab voters ahead of the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha election, former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has made a poignant appeal, urging citizens to safeguard democracy and the Constitution from what he describes as repeated assaults by the current regime.
Critique of BJP’s Economic Policies: Unimaginable Turmoil
Singh lamented the economic upheaval witnessed over the past decade under the two terms of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the BJP. He criticized policies such as demonetization, the flawed implementation of the Goods and Services Tax (GST), and the government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic, which he believes have led to a decline in GDP growth and widened socioeconomic disparities.
Comparison of GDP Growth: BJP vs. UPA Performance
Singh drew attention to the disparity in GDP growth rates between the BJP government and the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government. He highlighted that while GDP growth averaged around eight percent during the UPA tenure, it has plummeted to below six percent under the BJP government.
Concerns Over Unemployment and Inflation: Widening Inequality
Expressing concern over unprecedented levels of unemployment and inflation, Singh stressed the need for urgent policy interventions to address these challenges. He cited data indicating a significant decline in household savings and underscored the detrimental impact on socioeconomic equality.
Farmers’ Protests and Agniveer Scheme: Government Critique
Singh criticized the government’s handling of the farmers’ protests and denounced the Agniveer military recruitment scheme as ill-conceived. He accused the BJP of undermining farmers’ livelihoods and questioned its commitment to addressing agrarian issues.
Appeal for Democratic Values: Upholding Punjab’s Legacy
The former Prime Minister invoked Punjab’s historical legacy of sacrifice and resilience, calling on voters to protect the nation’s democratic fabric. He urged citizens to uphold the values of inclusiveness, harmony, and brotherhood, emphasizing the pivotal role of Punjab in shaping India’s democratic ethos.
Criticism of PM Modi’s Rhetoric: Dignity of Public Discourse
Singh criticized Prime Minister Modi’s rhetoric, accusing him of lowering the standards of public discourse. He condemned the use of divisive language and urged voters to reject such tactics in favor of unity and integrity.
Rejecting Divisive Forces
Dr. Manmohan Singh letter serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of upholding democratic values and protecting the nation’s constitutional principles. His impassioned plea underscores the need for unity and integrity in the face of growing polarization and discord.
As Punjab prepares to cast its votes in the final phase of the Lok Sabha election, Dr. Manmohan Singh’s appeal resonates as a call to action for citizens to stand firm in defense of democracy. His unwavering commitment to upholding India’s democratic ethos serves as a beacon of hope amidst turbulent times.