Birthplace of AAP, Will Now Script Its Downfall: Bajwa

Barnala (The Uttam Hindu): Leader of the Opposition in Punjab, Partap Singh Bajwa, today addressed a press conference in Barnala, followed by gatherings in support of Congress candidate Kuldip Singh Kala Dhillon at Karamgarh, Jalhoor, Badbar, Handiaya, and Barnala city. Highlighting the district's creation during the Congress regime in 2006, Bajwa underscored Congress’s unwavering commitment to Punjab’s development and welfare. Bajwa was joined by MP Amar Singh, former CM Rajinder Kaur Bhattal, former minister Balbir Singh Sidhu, Surinder Singh Sibia and other Congress leaders.

He launched a scathing critique of the AAP-led government, pointing out its abysmal governance, unfulfilled promises, and disregard for democratic values.

Bajwa expressed grave concern over the suppression of dissent during Arvind Kejriwal’s visit to Barnala yesterday, where members of a teachers’ association were detained for attempting to protest. ASHA workers and PRTC employees also raised their voices against the government, reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction. “This is what the so-called ‘badlav’ (change) has brought to Punjab—people are not even allowed to express their grievances,” Bajwa remarked. He drew attention to the worsening law and order situation in the state as gangsters make extortion calls from jails. In contrast, over 1,100 personnel are assigned to guard Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and his family across five houses.

He also criticized the alarming rise in Punjab’s debt, which has increased by ₹1,30,000 crore in just 2.5 years, despite Kejriwal’s 2022 promise to end borrowing. Bajwa highlighted the tragic suicide of farmer Jaswinder Singh on November 5, lamenting that no government official had visited his family. “This government promised to eliminate farmer suicides, but it has only deepened their distress,” he said.

On the issue of employment, Bajwa exposed the discrepancies in AAP’s claims of providing 48,000 jobs. Despite repeated requests for details, the government has failed to furnish any information, while their own minister admitted in the Assembly that only 5,500 jobs were created. He also condemned the paddy procurement crisis, calling it the worst in 60 years, and pointed out the unjust ₹300 cut on paddy prices and the use of duplicate DAP fertilizers, which he had raised in the Assembly. Farmers, he said, are bearing the brunt of AAP’s incompetence.

Bajwa accused AAP of failing to deliver on its healthcare and welfare promises. The party’s claim of building 16 multi-specialty hospitals remains unfulfilled, with a proposed hospital at Handiaya being shut down instead. Women’s pensions have not been paid, and the old pension scheme remains ignored. He also highlighted Punjab’s escalating drug problem and unresolved cases like Behbal Kalan and Bargari, criticizing AAP’s inability to restore law and order or tackle the drug menace effectively.

Turning his focus to the BJP, Bajwa accused the party of exploiting Punjab’s people and neglecting the state’s concerns. He cited the resignation of BJP state president as evidence of the party’s disregard for Punjab’s issues. He assured the people of Barnala that Congress would continue to fight for their rights and welfare, pledging to restore dignity, economic stability, and justice in Punjab.

Bajwa concluded by asserting that the people of Punjab have seen through AAP’s hollow promises. “This government has betrayed the trust of Punjabis. They will not forgive them for decades to come,” he declared, reiterating Congress’s resolve to build a future for all sections of the society.