Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday said the country was facing an oil and LPG crisis due to the failure of the foreign policy of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre.
He also raised serious concerns over the “excessive centralisation of power” in the hands of a few leaders at the Centre, warning that such a trend was dangerous for democracy.
Mann further questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the “unchecked cross-border drug supply”, asking him to explain the failure of central agencies.
He also cautioned that the Centre’s treaty with the United States could severely jeopardise the interests of farmers. He remarked that despite frequent foreign tours by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country was facing worsening diplomatic ties and growing economic distress.
Speaking to mediapersons on the sidelines of the Progressive Punjab Investors’ Summit, Mann said, “United States President Donald Trump, whom Prime Minister Narendra Modi describes as a close friend, should have consulted him before waging a full-fledged war against Iran.”
“However, the Union Government remained unfazed about the scenario emerging out of this war, due to which the people of the country are today facing this crisis,” he added.
“In a month the Prime Minister spends 15 days on foreign shores, but his relations with other countries are far away from being cordial,” Mann added.
The Chief Minister further said the Centre should have foreseen the LPG and oil crisis, and adequate arrangements should have been made well in time to avoid any inconvenience to the general public.
Addressing concerns about supply shortages, Mann said rumours were being spread over it due to the West Asia crisis. He said directions had been issued to the deputy commissioners across Punjab to ensure that there was no shortage of essential goods.
He added that strict action would be taken against anyone attempting to exploit the situation. The CM further remarked that decision-making in the Union Cabinet had been concentrated in a few hands. “Barring two big figures, there is no minister in the entire Cabinet and even small decisions are taken by the duo, which is running the country in a dictatorial manner,” he said