BJP leader slams Punjab government for populist schemes and lack of planning, urges CM to act before it’s too late
Chandigarh, August 8:
Senior BJP leader and former MLA Arvind Khanna launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, accusing it of adopting poorly planned populist policies that have pushed the state’s public institutions into serious financial distress.
Khanna stated that schemes like free bus travel and free electricity were introduced without a concrete plan or adequate resources, and are now straining the state’s treasury and damaging vital institutions. He alleged that the government is now looking for ways to backtrack from these promises due to the mounting fiscal pressure.
Citing official figures, Khanna pointed out that the monthly expenses on these freebies are not being released on time, causing immense hardship for government employees who often wait months for their salaries.
He specifically mentioned the plight of PRTC and Roadways employees, who have staged repeated protests and road blockades, demanding timely salaries and proper maintenance of buses. “Despite these ongoing demonstrations, the government remains indifferent,” Khanna said.
He further added that due to fund shortages, government buses are not being repaired on time, leading to frequent breakdowns and service disruptions — a situation that results in double losses for the transport department.
“The people of Punjab didn’t elect AAP to entertain them with jokes. They were hoping for real solutions to real problems,” Khanna said, adding that the current government has failed to meet public expectations.
He urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to take immediate and concrete steps to rescue public interest institutions from collapse. “If timely action is not taken, the people of Punjab will not forgive this government,” he warned.
