In a sharp critique of Punjab's recent administrations, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal declared that neither the Congress nor the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) possesses the legitimacy or competence to govern the state. He made these remarks in Amritsar on Monday, holding both parties responsible for the severe deterioration of Punjab's financial health.
Allegations of Financial Mismanagement and Corruption
Sukhbir Singh Badal, who also served as the deputy chief minister, asserted that both the previous Congress government and the present AAP regime have ruined Punjab's economy. He extended his criticism to a central government initiative, the Viksit Bharat—Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin), commonly referred to as VB—G RAM G.
He alleged that massive corruption scandals within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) were perpetrated by both the Congress and AAP governments in Punjab. "These scams led to the unearthing of crores in corruption," Badal claimed. He stated that the exposure of such widespread malpractice prompted the government to deny the scheme's benefits in several districts and alter the fundamental character of the program itself.
Criticism of Central Scheme and Federal Structure
Badal also launched an attack on the VB—G RAM G scheme, framing it as an assault on India's federal system. He accused the Centre of usurping all powers from the state governments while simultaneously placing the financial burden of implementation on them. This, according to the SAD chief, undermines the autonomy and fiscal planning of states like Punjab.
Stand on New Zealand Nagar Kirtan Controversy
Shifting focus to an international issue concerning the Sikh community, Sukhbir Badal addressed the reported stopping of a Nagar Kirtan (religious procession) in New Zealand. He emphasized that Sikhs are not only citizens of New Zealand but were also invited to the country and have made immense contributions to its society.
"The New Zealand government should protect their right to observe their religious practices," he stated firmly. Badal urged the Indian government to take up the matter diplomatically with its New Zealand counterparts to ensure such incidents do not happen again, safeguarding the religious freedoms of the Sikh diaspora.
Political Repercussions and Future Implications
These statements from the SAD president come at a critical juncture in Punjab's political landscape. By directly challenging the credibility of both the main opposition (Congress) and the ruling party (AAP), Badal is attempting to position the Shiromani Akali Dal as a viable alternative. His dual critique—targeting state-level financial governance and central overreach—is likely to resonate in ongoing debates about Punjab's economic recovery and constitutional rights within the Indian federation.
