With the Punjab Government rolling out the Chief Minister’s Health Scheme offering ₹10 Lakhs annual cover to every family, MLAs and ministers continue to retain access to unlimited medical reimbursement under the old Assembly rules. While the scheme promises universal coverage for citizens, elected representatives now effectively have multiple options for their medical expenses. If the Government says one health cover is enough for every family in Punjab, why are MLAs and ministers still allowed unlimited medical reimbursement under a separate system ? Is this welfare security for public representatives or a case of one rule for leaders and another for the public ?
पंजाब सरकार द्वारा ‘मुख्यमंत्री स्वास्थ्य योजना’ के तहत हर परिवार को ₹10 लाख का वार्षिक स्वास्थ्य कवर देने का दावा किया गया है, लेकिन विधायक और मंत्री अभी भी विधानसभा के पुराने नियमों के तहत असीमित मेडिकल खर्च की सुविधा ले सकते हैं। जब आम लोगों के लिए तय सीमा है, तो जनप्रतिनिधियों के लिए अलग व्यवस्था क्यों ? क्या यह जनसेवकों की सुरक्षा है या फिर नेताओं और जनता के लिए अलग-अलग नियमों की व्यवस्था ?
Rahul Gandhi’s February 28 visit to Punjab for the MGNREGA Bachao Sangram rally comes at a time when the state unit is struggling with factional pulls, multiple Chief Minister aspirants and a history of last-minute internal conflicts. With the 2027 battle approaching, the bigger question is whether one rally can energise the cadre, or whether deeper organisational surgery is needed to stop the cycle of temporary unity and recurring power struggles. What should Rahul Gandhi do during and after the February 28 rally to put the Punjab Congress on a serious winning path ?
