The Punjab Congress will hold a massive rally in Barnala on February 28, with Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi set to attend the event.
Sharing details, Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring said the rally is being organized to protest against the alleged move to dilute MGNREGA and the proposed trade agreement with the United States, which he claimed would have serious and damaging consequences for Punjab.
Speaking informally to journalists, Warring stated that changes related to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) would significantly impact the livelihood of the poor. He also warned that a trade deal with the US could adversely affect Punjab’s farmers.
He stressed that agriculture forms the backbone of Punjab’s economy and that the state would be among the worst affected if agricultural products are allowed to be imported at zero percent tariff. According to him, such a move could severely hurt local farming, leading to unemployment and income loss among farmers.
Warring cautioned that long-term challenges could arise from the proposed agreement, and any economic instability in the state could create conditions that hostile forces might attempt to exploit. He added that Punjab’s youth are already grappling with issues like drug trafficking from across the border and the state cannot afford additional risks.
When asked about allegations made by expelled Congress leader Navjot Kaur Sidhu, Warring declined to comment, stating that he did not consider it necessary to respond.
The upcoming rally is expected to draw significant participation as the party seeks to mobilize support on issues related to farmers, employment, and trade policies.
