Bajwa takes on AAP for unfulfilled promises
Chandigarh: After AAP directed its legislators and workers to tout the State Government's accomplishments to the electorate in Punjab, the Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa on Wednesday took aim at the AAP administration, lambasting it for its lack of tangible achievements. Pointing that AAP’s directive focused on four key areas — free electricity units, establishment of ‘Schools of Eminence’, the expansion of Aam Aadmi Clinics, and the provision of Rs one crore compensation, Bajwa derided the AAP Government, accusing it of conveniently overlooking unfulfilled promises.
“In its two-year tenure, AAP has floundered in the state. Despite its pre-election vows, the party has failed to deliver on its promises, leaving the people of Punjab disillusioned with their governance,” he said. Bajwa critiqued AAP’s touted successes, particularly its Schools of Eminence initiative, which he asserted merely “revamped” existing schools without addressing core educational needs. Similarly, he dismissed the efficacy of Aam Aadmi Clinics, citing their precarious operational status and non-compliance with health standards.
Furthermore, Bajwa highlighted the government's failure to launch its flagship scheme offering Rs 1,000 monthly to women over 18 years old. He underscored the state's economic downturn under AAP's watch, citing missed revenue opportunities in mining and anti-corruption measures. Bajwa also castigated Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, doubling as the Home Minister, for his inability to tackle lawlessness effectively. Additionally, he lamented AAP’s inability to curb the drug epidemic within their promised timeframe of four months.
With the Lok Sabha elections looming, Bajwa pointed out farmer discontent, exemplified by their recent questioning of Punjab Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian over unfulfilled AAP commitments.
Sukhbir demands judicial probe into Punjab liquor scam
Patiala: SAD president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Wednesday called for a judicial investigation into the Punjab liquor scandal and the alleged misuse of state resources to finance AAP’s electoral campaigns in various states. The demand comes in the wake of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's failed attempt to challenge his arrest on corruption charges. Sukhbir, during his visit to Nabha and Patiala rural constituencies as part of the Punjab Bachao Yatra, emphasized Kejriwal's purported involvement in corrupt practices.
Sukhbir cited Delhi High Court’s rejection of Kejriwal's plea, which revealed allegations of demanding kickbacks totaling Rs 100 crore, some of which purportedly funded AAP's campaign expenses in the 2022 Goa elections. He also highlighted the Court’s consideration of evidence, including statements from approvers and an AAP legislator from Goa.
Expressing astonishment at the lack of action regarding Punjab liquor scandal, drawing parallels between the modus operandi of the Delhi and Punjab scams, Sukhbir criticized Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for alleged inaction, suggesting that Mann's silence indicated compliance with Delhi's directives to safeguard his position.
Additionally, Sukhbir accused AAP government of resorting to desperate tactics, such as alleging coercion of a child into chanting pro-SAD slogans. He asserted that such actions reflected widespread disillusionment among various demographics towards AAP administration, emphasizing the desire among Punjabis to oust the allegedly corrupt and anti-Punjab party from power.
Chugh demands CBI probe into sand mafia operations in Punjab
Chandigarh: BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh on Wednesday demanded a CBI investigation into the operations of the sand mafia gangs in Punjab. “AAP Government has been just doing a cover-up exercise due to forthcoming elections by registering cases against small players whereas big sharks in the field have been allowed a free run following which the ecology of the state has been gravely endangered,” he said.
Strongly condemning the media report on the possibility of a highway bridge between Ropar and Hoshiarpur collapsing due to rampant sand mining in the Swan river belt, Chugh said that such reports have been coming from other parts of the state as well. He said that a large number of people in villages are being put to immense harassment and inconvenience due to illegal and rogue activities of the sand mafia gangs all over the state.
The investigation into the entire matter must be handed over to the CBI because there were inter-state ramifications of the sand mafia operations, Chugh added.
