Chandigarh, November 7
Reacting to statements by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders on contesting the upcoming Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections independently or entering into an alliance, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said that the AAP is least concerned about the BJP’s electoral arrangements, as it will approach the people on the strength of its historic development works and achievements in Punjab. He expressed confidence that the AAP government would return to power and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann would become Chief Minister for the second consecutive term.
In a statement, AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said that since Independence in 1947, CM Bhagwant Singh Mann is the first Chief Minister in Punjab’s history who remains in direct contact with the common people. “Earlier, meeting a Chief Minister directly was considered impossible, but today, wherever CM Bhagwant Singh Mann goes, he stops to meet even those standing along the roads. Every Punjabi feels that he is their own Chief Minister. This direct connection with the people reflects the people-centric approach of our government.”
The AAP Punjab Media In-charge said that the works which previous governments could not accomplish in 70 years have been delivered by the AAP government in just five years. “We have ensured canal water reaches fields across 88 per cent of Punjab’s agricultural area, provided 600 units of free electricity to households and introduced cashless health insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh. No Chief Minister in the history of India has undertaken such revolutionary initiatives for the welfare of the people.”
Taking a dig at the BJP leadership, Baltej Pannu said that the party itself appears completely confused about its electoral strategy. “On one hand, BJP leaders talk about contesting all 117 Assembly seats independently, while on the other, they speak about entering into an alliance. This contradictory stand clearly reflects the confusion within the BJP.”
Pannu asserted that whether the BJP contests all 117 seats independently or enters into an alliance with another party, the people of Punjab will never vote for it. “The people of Punjab have not forgotten that 750 farmers sacrificed their lives at the borders of Delhi because of the BJP. The party cannot erase this painful chapter from the memory of Punjab.”
Pannu further said that issues concerning the BBMB, Chandigarh and Panjab University, along with the continued withholding of funds meant for Punjab, remain major concerns for the state. “The BJP has consistently pursued policies that go against Punjab’s interests. The people of Punjab are fully aware of these actions and will never allow a party that works against the state’s interests to win the elections.”
Reiterating his confidence in the AAP’s electoral prospects, Baltej Pannu said that the party would approach the people with its record of development, public welfare and governance, and the people would once again give it the mandate to serve Punjab.
