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Former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh has issued a heartfelt plea to Punjab voters as they prepare to vote in the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. In a poignant three-page letter, the 91-year-old leader urged the electorate to seize this “final chance to ensure our democracy and Constitution are protected from repeated assaults by a despotic regime.”
Introduction
As the nation approaches the final phase of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Dr. Manmohan Singh has emerged with a powerful message. His appeal to the voters of Punjab highlights the critical juncture at which India’s democracy stands, calling for vigilance and action to protect the foundational principles of the nation.
Economic Turmoil Over the Past Decade
Comparison of Economic Eras
Dr. Singh, who played a pivotal role in the liberalization of India’s economy in 1991, compared the socio-economic landscape of the past decade under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to his tenure during the Congress-led UPA government. He lamented the “unimaginable turmoil” the Indian economy has endured, citing key economic indicators to illustrate the challenges faced.
GDP Growth Under Scrutiny
“The imposition of the demonetization disaster, a flawed GST, and the painful mismanagement during the COVID pandemic has resulted in a miserable situation,” Dr. Singh stated. He noted that average GDP growth under the BJP government has fallen below six percent, a stark contrast to the approximately eight percent growth during the UPA era. According to World Bank data, GDP growth under the UPA peaked at 8.5 percent in 2010, while the past decade saw a high of 9.1 percent in 2021 and a low of -5.8 percent during the pandemic.
Unemployment and Inflation
Widening Inequality
Dr. Singh expressed concern over the rising inequality, which he described as the highest in a century. He pointed out that unprecedented unemployment and rampant inflation have exacerbated economic disparities, undermining the purchasing power of ordinary citizens.
Household Savings Decline
Under BJP rule, household savings have plummeted to a historic low, with net financial savings in FY2022/23 dropping to a five-year low of ₹14.2 trillion, equivalent to 5.3 percent of GDP. In contrast, during the UPA tenure, savings rates remained between seven and eight percent, excluding the pandemic years.
Farmers’ Struggles and Protests
Critique of Government Policies
Referring to the farmers’ protests, Dr. Singh criticized the government for its harsh response to agriculturists’ demands. He highlighted the Prime Minister’s derogatory remarks and the rollback of three controversial farm laws as examples of the government’s failure to address farmers’ grievances.
UPA’s Support for Farmers
Dr. Singh underscored the UPA government’s efforts to support farmers, including loan waivers worth ₹72,000 crore and increased minimum support prices (MSP). He emphasized the Congress’s commitment to providing a legal guarantee for MSP and implementing stable agricultural policies.
Addressing Income Disparity and Unemployment
Widespread Distress
Dr. Singh highlighted the growing income disparity and its impact on social stability. He referenced a report by the World Inequality Lab, which indicated that India’s wealthiest now hold a larger share of national income than at any time in the past century.
Youth Employment Initiatives
The former Prime Minister outlined the Congress party’s plans to tackle unemployment, including the “yuva nyay” pillars in their election manifesto. Manmohan Singh He promised systematic filling of 30 lakh government job vacancies, with half reserved for women, and the establishment of fast-track courts for exam paper leak cases.
Controversial Agnipath Scheme
Opposition to Agnipath
Dr. Singh criticized the BJP’s Agnipath military recruitment scheme, which limits service to four years. He argued that this policy undermines the value of patriotism and service, branding it as an example of the government’s “fake nationalism.”
Defence Minister’s Defence
In contrast, Defence Minister Rajnath Manmohan Singh Singh defended the scheme, asserting its success and accusing the opposition of politicizing the issue.
Manmohan Singh’s Appeal to Punjab Voters
Rallying the Warrior Spirit
Dr. Singh called upon the people of Punjab to draw upon their history of courage and sacrifice. He urged them to vote against the BJP’s divisive policies and to protect the democratic ethos of inclusiveness, harmony, and brotherhood.
Criticism of Prime Minister Modi
Dr. Singh did not hold back in his critique of Prime Minister Modi, accusing him of degrading public discourse with hateful and unparliamentary language. He cited recent Manmohan Singh inflammatory remarks by the Prime Minister as evidence of a broader strategy of dehumanization and division.
Prashant Kishor: Congress Absent in Bihar
Conclusion
In his letter, Dr. Manmohan Singh emphasized the urgency of the moment, calling on voters to recognize the gravity of the situation and take decisive action to safeguard India’s democracy. His appeal to Punjab Manmohan Singh voters is a clarion call for unity and resilience in the face of authoritarianism and economic mismanagement.
