Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab on Friday, accusing it of widespread corruption, deteriorating law and order, and administrative failure ahead of the state’s Assembly elections next year. Addressing a public gathering in Jalandhar, the Prime Minister alleged that the Bhagwant Mann-led government had failed to curb criminal activities while allowing corruption to flourish within its ranks.
Modi claimed that Punjab was witnessing a serious breakdown in governance, alleging that drug networks were operating openly, extortion incidents had become frequent, and attacks on police stations reflected the worsening security situation. He asserted that the state’s administration had failed to restore public confidence and ensure effective law enforcement.
Stepping up his criticism, the Prime Minister described the AAP as a “Kattar Beimaan Party”, alleging that corruption had become deeply entrenched within the party. Referring to previous controversies, he said ministers and legislators associated with the party had faced allegations ranging from bribery to financial misconduct, questioning the government’s commitment to clean governance.
The Prime Minister also referred to the conviction of former AAP leader Tahir Hussain in connection with the 2020 Delhi riots, accusing the party of practising vote-bank politics. Without naming any individual directly, he further alleged that an AAP MLA in Gujarat had also been convicted in an assault case, claiming such incidents reflected a broader pattern within the party.
Turning to development issues, Modi said the Central Government had allocated substantial funds for infrastructure projects in Punjab, including roads, irrigation canals and agricultural mandis. However, he alleged that the state government had failed to effectively utilise these resources, resulting in stalled development and economic challenges.
“The Central Government is making every possible effort to ensure that the people of Punjab benefit from its welfare schemes. Yet, under the rule of this ‘Kattar Beimaan Party’, a brazen game of plunder is underway,” the Prime Minister said while addressing the rally.
The Prime Minister also targeted the Congress, claiming the party remained embroiled in internal leadership disputes instead of focusing on governance and public welfare. He suggested that the continuing infighting within the Punjab Congress reflected political instability within the opposition.
Highlighting the BJP-led Centre’s infrastructure initiatives, Modi said projects such as the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, under which more than 1,300 railway stations are being modernised across the country, demonstrated the government’s commitment to development. He urged voters to support the BJP in the upcoming Assembly elections, saying only the party could accelerate India’s journey towards becoming a developed nation.
