Sukhbir Badal Slams AAP Government Over Punjab Budget 2025-26
Chandigarh, March 26, 2025:
Former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal has strongly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann over the Punjab Budget 2025-26, accusing them of betraying the people of the state. Taking to social media, Badal alleged that the budget has failed to deliver on key promises made to farmers, women, youth, government employees, and other sections of society.
In his post, Badal pointed out that the budget lacks funds for capital expenditure, implying that no significant developmental work would take place. He termed the budget as "all fluff and no substance."
Among his key criticisms, Badal highlighted the following:
Fraud with Women: No mention of the promised ₹1,000 per month to women.
Fraud with Employees: No allocation to implement the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) for government employees.
Job Neglect: No funds allocated to fill vacant sanctioned posts in government departments.
Fraud with Elderly: The old-age pension has not been increased to ₹2,500 as promised.
Fraud with Farmers: No provision for the procurement of all 22 crops at Minimum Support Price (MSP).
Infrastructure Failure: No mention of the CM's proposed Malwa Canal.
Neglect of Education: No mention of the establishment of new colleges and universities.
Lack of Vision: No plans for power generation as no new power plants have been visualized.
Drug Eradication Failure: Plans to conduct a drugs census now, three years into AAP’s tenure, indicating a lack of prior data and initiative.
Misleading Publicity: While 16 new medical colleges were announced last year, the government now plans to open just one in the next two years.
Bogus Claims: Despite a promise to open 16,000 Aam Aadmi Clinics, only 881 clinics have been opened so far.
Unprecedented Debt: Punjab's debt is expected to rise to ₹4.17 lakh crore, with an increase of ₹1.54 lakh crore projected during the AAP government’s tenure.
Lack of Development Funds: Out of the ₹2.36 lakh crore budget, only ₹10,000 crore has been allocated for capital expenditure, limiting developmental activities.
Badal accused the AAP government of failing to deliver real benefits to the people, asserting that the state continues to suffer under mounting debt and unmet promises. The SAD leader urged the government to take immediate steps to address the concerns of Punjabis and ensure the effective implementation of its promises.
6 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 9 | 4 | 7 | 2 |