As the assembly elections are approaching in Punjab, allegations and counter-allegations are increasing. The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which is running the government of Punjab, had recently alleged that the central government had stopped the money to be given to Punjab. Now Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has replied on this. Rejecting these allegations, Nirmala Sitharaman has said that elections are about to come in Punjab, so they are saying this to cover up their non-performance. She also said that she can stand anywhere and look into the eyes and say the same thing.
Earlier, AAP had alleged that the central government has not paid the dues of Punjab. Earlier, Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan had said in the month of August that Punjab has been receiving Rural Development Fund (RDF) money as per the rules and there has been no discrimination of any kind. Then Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema had said that the state government had not even approached the Center for RDF.
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What did Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman say?
Nirmala Sitharaman has said, 'There is no such behavior with any state which causes loss to the state or makes the state suffer anything. I can stand anywhere and look you in the eye and say this. There is no cut or reduction in the money that any state has to receive in the name of their rights and we give it on time. Therefore, it is wrong to make such baseless allegations. Elections are about to be held in Punjab, perhaps that is why to cover up their non-performance, they are giving such statements which are wrong.
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In fact, the increasing debt of Punjab government is also going to be a big issue in the elections. On one hand, state government employees are protesting for DA. On the other hand, Punjab government is taking new loans. Regarding this, Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Shiromani Akali Dal are attacking the AAP running the Punjab government and are continuously raising questions.