Ahead of Amit Shah’s Moga rally, Harpal Cheema questions BJP on Punjab’s funds and Rights
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, March 13, 2026: Ahead of the March 14 rally of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Moga, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday raised a series of questions to the BJP-led Central government and urged state BJP leaders to seek answers during the event.
Cheema alleged that the Centre has shown discriminatory treatment towards Punjab by withholding thousands of crores in funds meant for the state under several schemes, including the Rural Development Fund (RDF), the National Health Mission, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.
He said despite repeated demands by the Punjab government, the pending funds have not been released, affecting development works in the state. Cheema added that the issue had been raised several times in meetings with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
The minister also referred to disputes related to Punjab’s water rights, including the long-standing Sutlej–Yamuna Link Canal issue and matters concerning the Bhakra Beas Management Board. He asserted that Punjab would not compromise on its rightful share of water and would oppose any move that undermines the state’s interests.
Cheema further questioned the possible impact of proposed India–US agricultural trade arrangements on Indian farmers, particularly those in Punjab. He said the government must clarify whether such agreements could harm the interests of local farmers.
Raising another issue, the finance minister said Punjab had suffered losses of nearly ₹20,000 crore during recent floods but had received only an announcement of ₹1,600 crore relief from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He demanded that the Centre clarify when the announced relief amount would be released.
Cheema also urged Punjab BJP leaders, including Sunil Jakhar, Ravneet Singh Bittu and Ashwani Sharma, to raise these concerns directly with Amit Shah during the rally.
He added that the Centre should also provide stronger financial support to secure Punjab’s 550-km international border with Pakistan and restore the original structure of the MGNREGA scheme, which supports many Scheduled Caste families in the state.
“The people of Punjab are watching closely. The rally should not just be about political speeches but about addressing Punjab’s genuine concerns,” Cheema said.