Punjab Chief Minister Capt Amarinder Singh is likely to makemajor announcements for the state ahead of Assembly Elections 2022. Accordingto the sources, the fresh declarations will be based on the 18 points peacebroker formulae given to Punjab CM by the three-member AICC panel viewing theupcoming elections.
This move of Punjab CM has come after Aam Aadmi Partysupremo and Delhi Chief Mnister Arvind Kejriwal has announced that his unitwill ensure 24*7 uninterrupted power supply along with 300 free units of electricityto every household in the state.
This peace broker formula may help Punjab CM to restorehis image in the state as well as to repose faith of public in his governance. Itis anticipated, Capt Amarinder Singh by July 10 could meet the press to disseminategood news for the sectors including powercom, agriculture, women, youth, etc.
Reportedly, all eyes will remain on the powercom sectoras Mr. Kejriwal has asserted if his party will come into power the existing beneficiariesin the state will get the 300 units of free power and they will have to clearthe dues for the overhead utility. However, the new beneficiaries of thisscheme will have to pay a lumpsum amount for consuming additional units as wellas free units provided.
In a bid to subdue the AAP’s course of action, Punjab CMis likely to implement free 300 units of power scheme in his remaining 8 monthsof governance. As per the sources, the new manoeuvre will work on the ‘subtraction’formula which signifies that if the total units consumed by a household are 600units, they will only be charged for overhead 300 units.
It is pertinent to mention here, the new announcementscould also come amid the party tussle in the state. Although, thecricketer-turned-politician Navjot Sidhu has held meetings with former Congresschief Rahul Gandhi and party general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on June 30in New Delhi in which he aired the long list of grievances against Punjab CM. Withthe prompt and active involvement of Priyanka to resolve the longstanding feud,it is expected that the decision of the High Command on the state unit can beannounced in a short span from now.
Notably, the High Command has already announced thatPunjab Assembly Elections 2022 will be contested under the patronage of CaptAmarinder Singh, an intensified pressure lays on him to timely implement the18-point agenda to turn the wave in its favor for the elections.
Ahead of elections, AICC panel has suggested CaptAmarinder Singh to ensure a time-bound result in the Bargari Desecration ofGuru Granth Sahib and Kotkapura Firing Case by the newly constituted SIT. As ofnow, the SIT has grilled both Prakash Singh Badal and Sukhbir Badal to sort the“Congress-SAD fixed match narrative.” However, summoning prominent leaders ofSAD hints at a stringent action against them for their alleged involvement inthe Kotkapura Firing Case.
Another decision is said to be made on sand and transportmafia. Despite of the several measures including change in mining policy andincreasing revenue from auction of mining sites as compared to the previousruling party, sand prices are still higher. Although, the Punjab Congress iskeen to de-regulate sand mining, a final decision is awaited.
Even though, a new transport policy has been implementedin the state, the illegal extension of bus routes, directed by SAD government,change in buses schedule by the might private operators needs a diligent redressal.
Capt Amarinder Singh’s decision to give jobs to the kinof MLA on the compassionate grounds has been extensively reviewed by thethree-member high powered panel and CM has been suggested to convey therighteous aim of his ‘Ghar Ghar Rozgar Yojana’ correctly.
Apart from this, the panel wants Capt to announce thepending loan waiver for SC landless farm laborers, implementation of 30% quotafor Dalits and weaker sections in political appointments, implementation of85th amendment to extend quota benefit to SC/weaker sections in promotion withconsequential seniority, 5 marla plots for SCs and clearing air on SC post-matricscheme dues.
According to the sources, CM Capt Amarinder Singh hascalled for ‘lunch diplomacy’ on July 1 to pacify rebellious leaders of thestate unit as they have been sidelined during the four and a half years of politicalaffairs.
For the luncheon, Hindu leaders, including some formerMLAs and ministers are expected to take part. This move of Capt has come afterAshwani Sekhri had reportedly held negotiations with SAD leaders against thestate unit and its conduct of marginalizing the party leaders
What is the 18-point peace broker formula?
ü Roundof deliberations over power pacts with private thermal plants
ü 200units of free power for everyone
ü Exposingthe transport mafia in the state
ü Stringentaction against those involved in drug trade
ü Actingagainst sand mafia, de-controlling sand mining
ü Actionin sacrilege, police firing cases
ü Correctingperception of ‘Ghar Ghar Rozgar’ scheme
ü Nogovernment jobs for party MLAs’ relatives
ü SCloan waiver for landless farm laborers
ü Clearingdues in SC Post-Matric Scholarship scheme
ü Implementing85th amendment to extend quota benefit to SC/weaker section in promotions
ü Fivemarla plots for SCs
ü Agriculturalland to poor, Dalits
ü Fillingposts in government departments regularly
ü 'Respect'for Cong workers in political, administrative set up
ü Clearingair over 'Fateh' kits
ü Addressingstaff concerns in implementation of 6th pay commission