Chandigarh: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has raised strong objections to the Union government’s reported move to cancel over 8.02 lakh ration cards in the state, warning that such a step would leave lakhs of families without food security.
Mann said that if each ration card covers a family of four, the decision could impact several million people. “The government in Delhi, which claims to care for the poor, is in reality trying to take away their ration. Punjab feeds the nation, yet our own people are being denied food,” he remarked.
“Ration Chor” Jibe at BJP
The Chief Minister accused the BJP of betraying the people, saying, “After being called Vote Chor, they are now turning into Ration Chor. This is nothing less than theft from the poorest households.”
Centre’s Criteria Questioned
As per the new norms, ration cards are likely to be cancelled in cases where families own more than 2.5 acres of land, have an annual turnover of ₹25 lakh, or a member holding a government job. Mann argued that these rules are arbitrary and would disqualify deserving families. “We will not allow this injustice. No ration card will be cancelled in Punjab,” he asserted.
BJP’s Outreach Criticized
Mann also targeted BJP leaders for holding awareness camps in villages to publicize central schemes. “Will they also tell villagers that the Centre is cancelling ration cards? Or will they hide this truth?” he asked.
Letter to the Union Government
The Punjab CM confirmed that he has formally written to the Centre, demanding the withdrawal of the plan. He urged the Union government to reconsider its approach, stating that food security is a lifeline for the poor.
