The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched an attack on the Punjab BJP and the Central Government over the reduction of about 61 percent in the grants received from the Central Government under various schemes to Punjab. Addressing the media in a press conference at the Chandigarh party office on Friday, Aam Aadmi Party Punjab spokesperson Ahbab Grewal said that the BJP government at the Center is working to economically weaken the opposition ruled states.
AAP leaders Jastej Singh and Raman Chandi were also present in the press conference along with Ahbab Grewal. He said that it is the policy of the Modi government to economically weaken the states where it is unable to form its government. Wherever there are opposition governments across India, there has been a significant reduction in central grants.
Through these methods the Modi government is trying to hinder the development works in Punjab and other opposition ruled states. Questioning the Central Government, he said why the central grants to Punjab were reduced by about 7500 crores? He said that the Central Government should explain the reason for stopping the funds.
He said that Punjab has been feeding the entire country for years by producing large quantities of food grains, yet the Central Government always discriminates against Punjab. This is extremely unfortunate and regrettable. Grewal also questioned Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar and Governor Banwari Lal Purohit. He said that both BJP leaders always say that we are well-wishers of Punjab, so will Sunil Jakhar and the Governor write a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on this matter and say that the stoppage of grants is creating hindrance in the development work of Punjab.
Therefore the entire amount of grant to Punjab should be released immediately. He said that no matter how much funds the Central Government withholds, it cannot stop the progress of Punjab. The Mann government is committed to making Punjab economically prosperous.
We assure the people of Punjab that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann will not allow any hindrance in the progress of Punjab due to stoppage of central grants. Thanks to his efforts, today Punjab's revenue is continuously increasing and investment is also increasing.