New Delhi, 30 December (HS): Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan on Tuesday expressed strong displeasure over the Punjab Assembly bringing a resolution against the ‘VB-GRAM G’ Act passed by Parliament, terming the move as “blind opposition” by the Punjab government and opposition parties.

Speaking to the media here, Chauhan said that there is a collective commitment of the Centre and all states to abide by laws passed by Parliament. He described the developments in the Punjab Assembly as undemocratic, improper and against the basic spirit of the Constitution, stating that the sole objective appeared to be opposition for the sake of opposition.

He said passing a resolution in a state assembly against a law enacted by Parliament was unconstitutional and against democratic norms. Such actions, he added, go against the core spirit of India’s federal structure. Chauhan expressed surprise over the approach, saying that when Parliament passes a law, opposing it through state assemblies undermines constitutional discipline.

Chauhan remarked that spreading confusion by making claims about governance without ministers or cabinet reflected irresponsible politics. Just as lower-level institutions cannot oppose state laws, he said, state legislatures cannot reject laws enacted by Parliament. If state assemblies begin opposing central laws, it would weaken the country’s constitutional framework.

The ‘Viksit Bharat–Rozgar aur Aajeevika Mission Guarantee (Rural)’ or ‘VB-GRAM G’ Act aims to ensure 125 days of employment guarantee for farmers. The legislation was recently passed by Parliament amid opposition protests, with critics opposing its introduction in place of the existing rural employment scheme.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar