New Delhi- In a fervent appeal to the people of Punjab, former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has issued a compelling letter ahead of the final phase of the Lok Sabha elections scheduled for June 1.

His message emphasizes the crucial importance of protecting India's democracy and Constitution from what he describes as the "repeated assaults of a despotic regime" led by the BJP.

Manmohan Singh did not hold back in his criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Singh claimed that Modi is the first Prime Minister to lower the dignity of public discourse and the gravity of the office of the Prime Minister. "No Prime Minister in the past has uttered such hateful, unparliamentary, and coarse terms, meant to target either a specific section of society or the opposition," Singh stated.

Singh's letter begins with a heartfelt address to the citizens, highlighting the critical juncture at which India finds itself. He urges voters to use this last opportunity to safeguard democratic values against a perceived slide towards dictatorship. Recognizing Punjab's historical spirit of sacrifice and courage, Singh calls on the state to protect the nation's democratic ethos.

Singh's criticism of the BJP's handling of Punjab is particularly scathing. He recalls the tragic loss of 750 farmers, mainly from Punjab, who died during prolonged protests at Delhi's borders against the controversial farm laws.

He condemns Prime Minister Narendra Modi's derogatory remarks about the farmers, who were labeled as "Andolanjeevis" and "Parasites" for demanding the withdrawal of these laws.

Singh underscores the economic plight of farmers under the BJP's regime, citing the government's failure to fulfill promises such as doubling farmers' incomes by 2022. Instead, he highlights the stark realities: an average daily income of just Rs. 27 for farmers and significant debt burdens.

Contrasting the BJP's record with that of the Congress-UPA, Singh points to the substantial loan waivers and increased MSP (Minimum Support Price) during the UPA's tenure, which led to doubled agricultural growth compared to the last decade under BJP rule. He outlines the Congress party's "Kisaan Nyay" manifesto, which includes five guarantees aimed at transforming the agricultural sector through legal MSP guarantees, stable export-import policies, a Permanent Commission on Agricultural Finance, prompt compensation for crop losses, and removal of GST on farm inputs.

Singh extends his critique to the broader national economic issues, citing the adverse impacts of demonetization, a flawed GST implementation, and mishandling of the COVID-19 pandemic. He argues that these policies have led to subpar GDP growth, unprecedented unemployment, and deepening economic inequality. He contrasts this with the Congress-UPA's record of increasing purchasing power and household savings, which he claims have now plummeted to a historic low.

Addressing the youth, Singh decries the neglect they have faced under the BJP, pointing out the 30 lakh government vacancies and the impact of repeated paper leaks on their future.

He emphasizes the Congress party's "Yuva Nyay" guarantees, which aim to fill these vacancies, reserve half the jobs for women, and establish fast-track courts for paper leak cases.

Singh also criticizes the BJP's Agniveer Scheme for the armed forces, which he argues undervalues patriotism and endangers national security by limiting service to four years. He reaffirms the Congress party's commitment to abolishing this scheme.

Reflecting on the UPA government's contributions to Punjab, Singh lists significant developments such as the Amritsar-Kolkata Industrial Corridor, the establishment of an oil refinery in Bhatinda, and the founding of educational institutions like IIT Ropar and the National Law University in Patiala. He contrasts this cooperative federalism with the BJP's consistent denial of funds to Punjab during the Congress's state tenure.

Concluding his letter, Singh laments the divisive rhetoric and hate speech he attributes to Prime Minister Modi, urging voters to choose love, peace, fraternity, and harmony.

He appeals to the citizens of Punjab to vote for development and inclusive progress, emphasizing that only Congress can ensure a progressive, growth-oriented future that safeguards democracy and the Constitution.

Singh's appeal ends with a tribute to India's pluralistic civilization, quoting Allama Iqbal:

"Phir uthi akhir sada touheed ki Punjab se,

Mard-e-kaamil ne jagaya Hind ko Phir khwaab se."

The final phase of the Lok Sabha elections will see voting in 57 constituencies across Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Odisha, West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Chandigarh on June 1, with campaigning concluding on Thursday.