Days after Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar mooted the thought of a particular financial bundle for the state throughout an all-party assembly on the Governor’s Home, Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu stunned many by holding a one-on-one assembly with Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The assembly, which passed off on Thursday night on the PM’s residence, reportedly lasted round 40 minutes. Extremely positioned had been mentioned intimately.
On Friday, Bittu, the Union Minister of State for Railways and Meals Processing Industries, shared a collection of images from the assembly on X, writing: “Honored to fulfill Hon’ble Prime Minister Sh. @narendramodi ji at his residence. Shared my pleasure over India’s current victory over Pakistan and counseled his exemplary management in dealing with powerful conditions with grace and dedication.”
“Mentioned key initiatives for Punjab’s growth, specializing in development and prosperity for our state. Prime Minister Modi additionally shared his ideas on the present spiritual and political panorama in Punjab and the trail forward. Throughout the assembly, I introduced two books to the Prime Minister — Guru Nanak’s Blessed Path and The Golden Temple — each symbolizing the essence of Sikhism and the teachings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji,” Bittu additional wrote.
In line with sources, Bittu raised the long-standing demand for a particular bundle for Punjab, underlining the state’s vulnerability as a border state. He identified that Punjab shares a 553 km border with Pakistan, protecting six districts — Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Amritsar, Ferozepur, and Fazilka — and stays on the forefront in occasions of battle. Highlighting the socio-economic challenges in these areas, he proposed that youths from border districts be given relaxations in Military recruitment norms, sources mentioned.
Bittu reportedly additionally pitched a big growth proposal — the creation of a canal system in Punjab’s Doaba and Majha areas, just like that in Malwa. He emphasised the necessity to utilise the waters of rivers Beas and Ravi to scale back dependence on groundwater and stop its overexploitation, sources added.
One other essential subject mentioned was the upcoming bypoll within the Ludhiana West Meeting constituency. Bittu briefed Prime Minister Modi in regards to the strategic significance of the seat, revealing that the BJP had secured the best variety of votes on this constituency through the current Lok Sabha polls, though it will definitely misplaced the seat to Congress’s Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.
Story continues under this advert
The BJP had led in six of the 9 Meeting segments in Ludhiana however didn’t safe rural votes in Gill, Dakha, and Jagraon segments, resulting in its defeat. The get together is but to announce a candidate for the bypoll, and Bittu pressured the constituency’s significance to the Prime Minister, mentioned dependable sources.
Notably, this assembly assumes added significance because the BJP continues to battle with reputation in Punjab, and any direct engagement by Prime Minister Modi with a Punjab-based minister is seen as a big political gesture. Bittu is presently the Rajya Sabha member from Rajasthan, although he’s primarily based in Punjab.
PM Modi had just lately visited the Adampur airbase in Punjab on Might 13, following a ceasefire between India and Pakistan, to spice up the morale of air power personnel. His go to was intently adopted by calls from Punjab residents for a particular bundle from the Centre, given the state’s high-risk standing on account of its dense inhabitants and proximity to the worldwide border.
The push for such a bundle was formally made by Jakhar through the all-party assembly in Chandigarh on Might 10, which was attended by Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and different political leaders. Jakhar acknowledged that each one events unanimously supported the demand for a particular financial bundle to compensate for losses in commerce and enterprise attributable to the current battle.
Story continues under this advert
“Punjab has all the time stood on the frontlines and borne the brunt in each struggle. This time too, past lack of life, commerce and enterprise have been hit onerous. A bundle is urgently wanted to mitigate these losses,” Jakhar mentioned.