AAP leader urges Centre to grant Punjab its rightful dues without delay
Chandigarh, January 20, 2026: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab State General Secretary and Punjab Mandi Board Chairman S. Harchand Singh Barsat on Tuesday strongly criticised the Central Government, alleging continued neglect and discrimination against Punjab, and demanded that the Centre immediately grant the state its rightful dues to accelerate development works.
Referring to the recent meeting between Punjab Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann and Union Home Minister Amit Shah, Barsat said that the Chief Minister effectively raised several critical issues concerning Punjab. “The discrimination being meted out to Punjab will no longer be tolerated. The Centre must immediately give Punjab what is rightfully due to it,” Barsat said.
Describing the meeting as a significant step towards safeguarding Punjab’s interests, Barsat said the Central Government must now go beyond assurances and take concrete decisions. He stated that during the meeting, Chief Minister Mann highlighted key concerns including border security arrangements, the agrarian crisis, inter-state water disputes, problems faced by farmers due to the border security wall being constructed far away from the zero line, the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal dispute, slow lifting of food grains by the Food Corporation of India (FCI), non-payment of arthiya commission, Rural Development Fund, and market fees, as well as Punjab’s objections to the reduced role of the state in the Chandigarh Administration.
Barsat further said that serious objections were also raised regarding the proposed Seed Bill 2025, which he stated could adversely impact farmers’ interests.
He emphasised that Punjab has consistently played a crucial role in the country’s food security, national security, and economic growth, yet continues to face discriminatory treatment. “Now it is the responsibility of the Central Government to move beyond meetings and assurances and take fair and decisive steps to ensure Punjab receives its due,” he added.
Barsat said the people of Punjab expect the Centre to stand with the state and resolve long-pending issues in the larger interest of development and federal fairness.
