Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab senior leader Neel Garg launched a sharp attack on Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar and the Modi-led central government. Garg said that Sunil Jakhar often claims that the Prime Minister has a special place in his heart for Punjabis, but in reality this so-called “love” is limited to hollow words.
He questioned that if there is truly any love for Punjab, then why the central government has not immediately released Punjab’s rightful ₹8,000 crore Rural Development Fund, which has been withheld for several years, along with other central funds. Neel Garg said that even 5-6 years ago, the Prime Minister had spoken repeatedly about giving an economic package to Punjab, but that package never became reality.
He said, “Sunil Jakhar ji, the people of Punjab are now fed up with 'jumlebazi'. The Prime Minister is coming to Punjab tomorrow; this is a good opportunity for him to correct his mistake. Before announcing new packages, at the very least, return the money that rightfully belongs to Punjab.”
Questioning the Centre’s double standards, Garg said that the central government has given special packages to neighbouring states for industrial development, but Punjab is always given a step motherly treatment. At a time when the AAP government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is working day and night to bring major industries to Punjab and put the state on the path of development, the Centre’s stubborn attitude is becoming an obstacle to Punjab’s progress.
Neel Garg asked Sunil Jakhar why, instead of fighting for Punjab’s rights, he is defending the Centre’s anti-people policies. He said that if the BJP leadership truly wants Punjab’s welfare, then during the Prime Minister’s visit tomorrow, all the withheld funds of Punjab should be released. Punjab does not want alms; it wants its rightful due.