Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal launched a scathing attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab on Tuesday, accusing it of functioning more like an "event management company" than a serious administration.
Special Session Dubbed a "Media Stunt"
Badal specifically targeted the one-day special session of the Punjab assembly, calling it a mere "media stunt" designed for headlines rather than public good. He asserted that this session, like previous special sessions convened by the AAP government, would fail to deliver any tangible benefits for the people of Punjab.
The senior Akali leader pointed to a pattern of inaction, alleging that despite passing resolutions on critical issues in past sessions, the government had taken zero follow-up action. He listed several key areas where promises remained unfulfilled:
- The Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB)
- The Rural Development Fund (RDF)
- The state's drug menace
- Relief and rehabilitation for flood victims
Questioning MGNREGA Performance and Ad Spending
Badal shifted his criticism to the government's performance in rural employment, calling its record under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) "very disappointing." He claimed that the poor in Punjab receive an average of only 25-30 days of work annually, which he stated is among the lowest figures in the country.
He attributed this shortfall to the state government's failure to contribute its mandatory 10% share for the central scheme. Instead of allocating funds to benefit the poor, Badal accused the AAP dispensation of splurging hundreds of crores of rupees on advertisements and self-promotion.
"Apart from false advertisements and propaganda, the AAP government should clarify what concrete steps it intends to take for the beneficiaries of schemes like Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Aajeevika Mission," Badal demanded.
A Call for Real Governance Over "Tamasha"
Reiterating his central allegation, Badal said, "Punjab's working labour community needs real employment, not this spectacle." He emphasized that the kirti mazdoor bhaichara (working class brotherhood) of Punjab deserved genuine opportunities, not a "tamasha" (drama).
He concluded by demanding that the Mann-led government shift its focus from publicity exercises to real delivery on the ground, stressing that Punjab needs a real government, not an event management company. The special session, he said once more, was a "pure media stunt" with no potential for real public benefit.
