Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the state, accusing it of pushing Punjab into a debt trap, failing to curb illegal mining, and allowing law and order to deteriorate. Addressing a BJP workers' meeting in Ropar, Dhillon said the AAP government had failed to deliver on the promises of 'badlav' (change) that brought it to power in 2022.
Debt and Financial Distress
Dhillon alleged that Punjab's debt had increased from around Rs 2.82 lakh crore to nearly Rs 4.5 lakh crore under the present government, pushing the state towards financial distress. He claimed that the enthusiastic response from BJP workers reflected a growing public sentiment in favour of the party and indicated that it was preparing to emerge as an alternative in Punjab.
Law and Order Deterioration
The BJP state president also questioned the AAP government's anti-drug campaign, asserting that its promise to eradicate drugs remained unfulfilled. He said organised crime, extortion, robberies, and violent incidents had become routine across the state. Drawing a comparison with the BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh, Dhillon argued that organised crime could be effectively controlled through strong governance.
Farmer Issues and Crop Diversification
Dhillon accused the state government of failing to procure 'moong' at the Minimum Support Price (MSP) despite its assurances, leaving farmers in distress. He said Punjab needed to move towards crop diversification while ensuring assured procurement.
Employee and Women's Welfare Promises
Targeting the government over employees' issues, Dhillon claimed that staff of Deputy Commissioner offices and Sewa Kendras, teachers, and power utility workers had been forced to agitate over their demands. He also said the government had failed to implement its promise of providing Rs 1,000 per month to women without imposing conditions.
Illegal Mining in Ropar
Dhillon alleged that Ropar had become the capital of illegal mining in Punjab. He said around 150 FIRs had been registered in mining-related cases, which, according to him, exposed the government's claims of controlling the menace. He attacked the government over mining revenue, alleging that despite pre-election claims that the sector could generate Rs 20,000 crore annually, the state had realised only around Rs 600 crore.
Centre's Role and BJP's Alternative
Dhillon credited the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Centre with expanding infrastructure and providing substantial financial assistance to Punjab. He claimed that states governed by or allied with the BJP were witnessing faster development, while Punjab was lagging behind. Calling upon party workers to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level, Dhillon urged them to take the Centre's welfare schemes to every village and household. He maintained that only the BJP could provide a stable alternative to the present government in Punjab.
Those present at the meeting included Parminder Singh Brar, Subhash Sharma, and Ajay Veer Singh Lalpura.
