Punjab Congress Leader Slams AAP Government Over Financial Mismanagement
In a sharp critique, Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has issued a stern warning against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of creating massive financial liabilities for future administrations. Warring highlighted that the state government is resorting to unrestricted loans even for routine expenses like paying employee salaries, a move he described as unprecedented and irresponsible.
Government's Inability to Pay Salaries Questioned
The Ludhiana MP, speaking on Friday, asserted that a government incapable of meeting basic obligations such as salary payments lacks the legitimacy to remain in power. "A government that is not able to pay even the salaries to its employees has no right and authority to be there," Warring stated emphatically. He pointed out that the AAP administration has failed to produce a 'white paper' on Punjab's financial status, prompting the Congress to prepare a comprehensive financial chargesheet against the government.
Broken Promises and Escalating Debt
Warring recalled the pre-2022 election claims made by AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, who promised to generate Rs 20,000 crore annually from sand mining and save 30% of funds by eliminating corruption. He accused them of misleading the public with assurances of annual savings nearing Rs 1 lakh crore. However, the reality, according to Warring, is starkly different: under AAP rule, Punjab's financial situation has deteriorated, with state debt soaring past Rs 4 lakh crore. This has led to a scenario where the government lacks funds for essential payments, forcing it to take loans to cover salary disbursements—a first in the state's history.
Legal Challenges and Further Borrowing
Adding to the controversy, Warring criticized the government for reportedly planning to challenge a high court order mandating the payment of dearness allowance (DA) arrears to employees and pensioners by June 30. "It is unprecedented that the state government is challenging the high court orders which ask it to pay the dues of the employees and pensioners," he remarked, interpreting this as a clear admission of financial insolvency. Furthermore, Warring claimed to have credible information that the Punjab government is seeking additional loans from the Centre at higher interest rates, jeopardizing the state's economic stability for short-term survival.
In conclusion, Warring warned that the AAP government's actions are creating severe financial burdens for the next administration, signaling a countdown for its tenure amid growing fiscal crises.
