AAP Alleges Centre Is Trying to Halt Punjab's Free Tirath Yatra Scheme

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has claimed that the BJP-led central government is attempting to halt Punjab's Mukh Mantri Tirath Yatra scheme after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) inspected buses used to ferry pilgrims.

According to reports, AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal alleged in a statement and on social media that the NHRC inspected the "super deluxe buses" used for the pilgrimage scheme to target the initiative. He questioned why such checks were conducted specifically on these buses and not on state-run roadways buses in other regions. Kejriwal claimed the action reflects an effort to prevent elderly citizens from utilizing the free pilgrimage program.

Official Figures and Statistics

• Over 7 lakh elderly people have reportedly been facilitated under the scheme until October 14.
• Destinations covered include Amritsar, Wagah Border, Ram Tirath, Durgiana Temple, Sri Anandpur Sahib, Mathura, Khatu Shyam, and Haridwar-Rishikesh.

Government and Party Responses

• Arvind Kejriwal (AAP National Convener): Questioned the timing and specificity of the NHRC inspection, accusing the Centre of attempting to stop the pilgrimage initiative for senior citizens.
• Harpal Singh Cheema (Punjab Finance Minister): Alleged that central agencies are trying to stall public welfare initiatives of the AAP government, drawing parallels with political statements made by opposition figures regarding welfare schemes.
• Priyank Kanoongo (NHRC Member): Confirmed in New Delhi that the commission received a complaint alleging that buses used in the scheme lacked required safety standards and featured unauthorized structural modifications, prompting the inspection.

Practical Implications and Verification

Citizens and observers seeking to verify details regarding government welfare schemes or official regulatory actions can check official press releases and notifications issued by the Punjab government or the National Human Rights Commission through their respective official portals.