As Punjab's financial woes deepen, the opposition has launched a fierce attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Government, accusing it of driving the state into an untenable debt trap. The criticism comes in response to the AAP Government’s recent request for an additional borrowing limit of Rs 10,000 crore from the Centre, a move that has sparked outrage among opposition leaders.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Monday condemned the AAP administration's fiscal management. “AAP, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, is recklessly pushing Punjab towards economic ruin,” Warring declared.
“By seeking an additional Rs 10,000 crore in borrowings, the AAP Government is not only exacerbating the state's debt but also jeopardizing our economic future.” He accused the government of failing to improve infrastructure or services while squandering funds on election campaigns and propaganda. “Where is the money going? It’s being used to fund AAP’s political ambitions rather than addressing Punjab’s pressing needs,” he added.
Also weighing in, the Leader of Opposition in Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa criticized the AAP Government for its handling of the financial crisis. “Every Punjabi is paying the price for the AAP’s mismanagement. Chief Minister Mann and his team are arrogantly ignoring the state's economic distress,” said Bajwa.
Senior Congress leader, He called for an all-party meeting to discuss and address the crisis. “It’s crucial that the AAP Government involves other political leaders to find a solution, rather than pursuing a reckless borrowing strategy," Bajwa emphasized. He highlighted additional issues such as increased VAT on fuel and higher motor vehicle taxes, which have further burdened the common man.
Adding his voice to the criticism, Punjab BJP vice-president Arvind Khanna condemned the government's financial irresponsibility. “The AAP government's policies are draining Punjab’s treasury. They made unrealistic promises to win votes, both in Punjab and beyond, and now the state is suffering,” said Khanna.
He criticized the government's recent request for a higher borrowing limit, warning that it will only deepen Punjab's financial troubles. "The increase in the loan limit will primarily be used to pay interest on previous debts, pushing Punjab further into economic distress," Khanna said. He urged the AAP government to focus on implementing effective policies to address the crisis rather than relying on additional borrowing.
