DECODE PUNJAB: Change is always good, says AAP gen secy on buzz over new state convener

Will the Punjab convener of the Aam Aadmi Party be changed? This political debate rages in state’s power circles, as changes in the organisational structure of AAP’s state unit look inevitable.

“Change is always better, though this is the prerogative of our party’s national convener Arvind Kejriwal,” said AAP general secretary and Chairman of the Punjab Mandi Board Harchand Singh Barsat, during an exclusive interview with The Tribune, as part of its digital series, #DecodePunjab.

“The political affairs committee of the party thinks for the betterment of the state and the party. The state unit has given it the full authority to make any changes. We want to see Punjab grow economically, provide good education besides having the world-class infrastructure. This said, Mann as CM is doing his best for the state. What he is doing is exemplary,” he said. The party was trying to arrange resources to start giving Rs 1,000 to each woman, as promised before the Vidhan Sabha elections, he added.

Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is also the convener of the state unit of the party since January 2019. Political circles are abuzz with speculations about a new AAP convener being named soon, with the name of a senior Hindu leader doing the rounds to replace Mann.

Asked about the recent changes in the Chief Minister’s Office and in the state Cabinet, the AAP general secretary said the removal of four aides of Mann from the CMO was on “some basis”.

Terming the protest by farmers, commission agents and rice millers as being “politically motivated”, Barsat said the BJP-led Centre wanted to hand over the entire food procurement business to corporates. “But let me warn that this will increase food inflation manifold. CM Mann took up various related issues with the Centre on Monday,” he said.

He accused the BJP of being “anti-Punjab, by both character and actions. They are doing everything to ruin Punjab economy. That is why they are scared of contesting the panchayat poll. Though these elections are not being contested on party symbols, other civic elections (that are due to be held soon) will be contested on party symbols,” he said. Barsat denied that cash and liquor were being used to woo voters.

The Mandi Board Chairman also said that the board was raising a loan of Rs 1,800 crore, so that they could start building and repairing rural roads. He hoped the state government would soon get a relief from the Supreme Court as regards the release of Rural Development Fund held back by the Centre.