Congress distributed ‘lollipops’ in Punjab revamp, says MoS Ravneet Singh Bittu

Chandigarh, July 2 (IANS) Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu on Thursday said that the Congress has distributed “lollipops” to everyone in the party instead of building a serious and effective organisation in Punjab. 

Reacting to the revamping of the party’s organisation, he said that never before has the Congress released such a jumbo-sized organisational list. “It is surprising that even senior leaders who are members of the AICC and the Congress Working Committee (CWC) have been accommodated as chairpersons of various committees,” Ravneet Singh said in a statement. 

He questioned whether such senior leaders do not have the stature and responsibility to work for the Punjab Congress without being assigned additional designations. “If every leader needs a post to remain relevant, what message does that send to the party workers?” he asked. 

Ravneet Singh said the Punjab Congress headquarters in Chandigarh presented a deserted picture. “The office staff can be seen sitting in lawns, wondering which room should now be allotted to which office-bearer. Instead of energising the organisation, the Congress has created confusion through an endless distribution of posts,” he said. 

He said even ordinary Congress workers “are disappointed with the manner in which the organisation is being run, as the focus appears to be on accommodating leaders rather than strengthening the party at the grassroots”. 

The Union Minister further said the BJP is fully prepared for the upcoming electoral battle in Punjab. He reiterated that the party would contest the Assembly elections independently. He said BJP President Nitin Nabin recently completed a three-day organisational tour across Punjab, interacting with party workers and strengthening the cadre. 

“The entire BJP organisation in Punjab is energised and working with renewed enthusiasm,” he said. Ravneet Singh further said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Punjab this month to inaugurate several major development projects. He said the Union Government has ensured that there is no shortage of funds for Punjab's development, and significant investments are being made in infrastructure, connectivity and public welfare.

“The people of Punjab are witnessing the difference between a government focused on development and an Opposition consumed by internal adjustments and distribution of posts,” Ravneet Singh added. 

The Congress on Wednesday cleared names for organisational and election-related roles. They comprised Amarinder Singh Raja Warring to continue as Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee President and Pratap Singh Bajwa to remain as Leader of the Congress Legislature Party. 

Charanjit Singh Channi, who was a strong contender for the PPCC chief’s post, was appointed Chairperson of the Campaign Committee, while Sukhpal Singh Khaira will serve as a co-chairperson. Vijay Inder Singla was named Chairperson of the Election Management and Coordination Committee, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa will head the Core Committee, and Amar Singh will lead the Manifesto Committee. 

--IANS

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