CHANDIGARH-Aam Aadmi Party Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu launched a sharp attack on Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party , saying the Prime Minister’s visit to Punjab was nothing more than a political spectacle filled with false allegations, while he failed to answer the questions that matter most to the people of Punjab.
In a video message, AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to Punjab, made baseless accusations against the Punjab Government and returned without addressing any of the state’s pressing concerns. “The Prime Minister had no answers for Punjab. He only repeated allegations and political rhetoric, but remained completely silent on the real issues affecting the people, ” he added.
Questioning the Prime Minister’s silence on several crucial issues concerning Punjab, the AAP Punjab Media In-charge said the people had expected answers but received none. “Why did the Prime Minister fail to respond to the deaths of hundreds of farmers during the farmers’ movement? Why has the legal guarantee of Minimum Support Price (MSP) remained pending? Why is the Union Government continuing to withhold Punjab’s rightful funds? Punjab has been forced to survive despite the Centre blocking funds that rightfully belong to the state, yet the Prime Minister offered no explanation, ” he added.
Taking on the BJP’s “double engine government” slogan, Baltej Pannu said Punjabis have already experienced the reality of such a government. “From 2007 to 2017, when the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal ruled Punjab together, the state suffered immense damage.”
Referring to the BJP-Akali government’s tenure, Baltej Pannu said Punjab continues to bear the consequences of decisions taken during that period. “It was during the BJP-Akali regime that the drug menace spread across Punjab, destroying an entire generation of youth. Gangster culture also flourished during the same period, leaving Punjab to suffer the consequences for years, ” he added.
Questioning the BJP’s appeal for another opportunity in Punjab, he pointed out the people have not forgotten the party’s track record.“With what face is the BJP asking Punjabis to bring a double engine government? The people have already given them opportunities multiple times. From 1997 to 2002 and again from 2007 to 2017, Punjab experienced their rule and has not forgotten the damage caused during those years.”
Baltej Pannu said, “People of Punjab are fully aware of the BJP’s track record and will not be misled by slogans and political propaganda. Punjabis expect answers, accountability and justice from the Prime Minister, not empty speeches and false allegations against the elected Punjab Government.”