Punjab Finance Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP-led Union Government’s foreign policy while supporting a resolution in the Punjab Assembly condemning the Centre’s handling of international relations amid the escalating US–Iran conflict. The resolution moved by Food and Civil Supplies Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak received unanimous support from both the treasury and opposition benches, While the BJP MLAs were absent from the House.
Addressing the House, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated, “Our foreign policy under PM Modi has become so fragile that we are constantly intimidated by foreign powers. Whether it was the intervention via a mere tweet during past border tensions or the absolute silence on the recent casualties in Iran, the Union Government has proven that it lacks the spine to stand up for India's strategic interests.
We will not allow the BJP to turn India into a subservient market for the US, nor will we let them enslave the people of this country.” The Punjab Minister continued, “PM Narendra Modi and the BJP have repeatedly prioritised personal and party interests over national sovereignty.
The Union Government has repeatedly bowed to US pressure, making India look weak on the global stage. The prolonged silence of the BJP leadership on critical international issues raises serious concerns that the Union Government fears being exposed or blackmailed by foreign powers regarding sensitive international dossiers.”
He added, “Congress and BJP-led Union Governments have failed for decades to secure energy independence for the country, leaving India extremely vulnerable. The Union Government has remained silent despite Iran openly offering oil supplies.
The fallout of the ongoing US-Iran conflict will inevitably lead to skyrocketing fuel and cooking gas prices, placing an unbearable financial burden on farmers, labourers and the middle class across the country and in Punjab.” Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The Union Government’s foreign policy failure is a direct attack on our economy.
As global fuel prices prepare to surge, it is the common man; the farmer, the laborer, the shopkeeper in Punjab and country, who will pay the price for the BJP's diplomatic incompetence. The BJP is systematically destroying India’s federal structure.
Opposition-ruled states are being financially starved. Himachal Pradesh is facing severe fiscal distress and thousands of crores meant for Punjab under the Rural Development Fund (RDF) and the National Health Mission (NHM) have been illegally withheld.” Ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s scheduled rally in Moga, the Finance Minister continued, “Punjab BJP leaders, including Sunil Jakhar and Capt. Amarinder Singh, must summon the courage to question the Home Minister about Punjab’s stalled RDF, NHM and PM Awas Yojana funds.”
Recalling his time on the GST Rate Rationalisation Committee, he added, “GST regulations were bulldozed through late-night emergency meetings despite strong opposition from states like Punjab, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Punjab, a state that has historically shed the most blood for the nation's independence and integrity, will once again lead the fight to protect India's sovereignty, democracy and federal structure from the BJP's dictatorial policies".