AAP MLA from Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh’s stinging critique of his own party’s government has sent shockwaves through the ruling party, leaving the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government in a tight spot on Tuesday. A cop-turned-legislator, representing Amritsar North, has boldly accused the city’s administrative officials of blatantly ignoring the directives of their own Minister, suggesting a deep-rooted inefficiency within the local governance system.
During a discussion on the state of basic civic services in Amritsar, Kunwar Vijay highlighted the dire condition of essential amenities like sewage management and water supply. According to him, the lack of attention to these critical services has left residents frustrated and in a constant state of distress. Despite repeated assurances from the Local Bodies Minister Balkar Singh, the situation has shown little to no improvement.
Mincing no words, Kunwar Vijay asserted that the system is so flawed that even a junior engineer wields more power than the Chief Minister himself. He went on to lambast the Municipal Commissioner, accusing him of disregarding the urgency of issues that directly affect the daily lives of the city’s residents. Kunwar Vijay passionately argued that the orders issued by the Minister should be non-negotiable and enforced with utmost seriousness, pointing to the rising inefficacy within the administration.
The MLA’s frustration was palpable as he called for the establishment of a dedicated agency in Amritsar, tasked specifically with overseeing civic matters and ensuring that public grievances are addressed in a timely manner. He pointed out that there is often confusion about which agency is responsible for which tasks, further complicating the resolution of issues.
Noting that the Amritsar Municipal Corporation’s term ended on January 23, 2023, he argued that the administration has been unable to handle the city's growing challenges effectively.
Kunwar Vijay’s critique didn't stop at local officials; he also hinted at a broader issue within the AAP Government, suggesting that the Ministers themselves are not being taken seriously by their departments. He emphasized the need for Ministers’ instructions to be followed without question, to ensure that governance remains effective and responsive to the needs of the people.
In response to Kunwar Vijay’s remarks, Local Bodies Minister Balkar Singh attempted to downplay the situation, asserting that officials do indeed follow the directives given to them. However, he assured that within two weeks, he would visit Amritsar personally to address and resolve the pressing issues that have been raised.
Kunwar Vijay’s statements have cast a harsh spotlight on the internal workings of the AAP Government in Punjab, raising concerns about the efficacy of its leadership and the commitment of its officials to serve the public. Notably, Kunwar Vijay, who led the probing team in 2015 sacrilege and related firing incidents, is already airing his grievances in open against his own party government’s inaction in the matter.
