After Mamata's MNREGA Battle, Kejriwal Claims Centre 'Withholding' Funds For Punjab Welfare

Arvind Kejriwal said the Centre is yet to release Rs 5,500 crore for rural development of Punjab. He also accused Centre of not providing trains for pilgrims under 'Mukhya Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana'.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal

Source : PTI

New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday claimed the Centre was withholding funds for Punjab as it wanted to stall the development in the state, news agency PTI reported. Addressing a 'Vikas Kranti' rally in Bathinda, Kejriwal said the Akali and Congress didn’t want welfare in Punjab and that his political rivals had urged Centre to stop releasing funds to the state.

“All the parties are upset and they have turned against us. They came together and approached the Centre, asking it to do something to stop our work. (They told the Centre) do not allow them (AAP) to work. If they (AAP) do so much work, then we (rival parties) will be doomed. All these parties went to the Centre, which did the dirty work. They stopped Punjab's funds for health,” PTI quoted the Delhi Chief Minister as saying.

Addressing the rally, Kejriwal claimed the Centre is yet to release Rs 5,500 crore for the rural development of Punjab. He also accused the Centre of not providing trains for pilgrims under the state's 'Mukhya Mantri Tirath Yatra Yojana'.

“The Centre stopped trains going towards Patna Sahib and Nanded Sahib. They have stopped providing trains to the state. A letter has come from the Centre, saying it will not provide trains for offering prayers. If you stop someone from offering prayers, then God will not forgive you,” PTI quoted Kejriwal as saying.

It is to be noted that Kejriwal is the second leader from the Opposition I.N.D.I.A bloc to have accused the Centre of withholding funds for state welfare. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also accused the Centre of not releasing the pending MNREGA funds.

The TMC supremo has also sought time from Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the issue during her visit to Delhi between December 18 and 20.