PM Modi targets Punjab govt over law and order, calls for double-engine growth

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Jalandhar/Chandigarh/jind, July 17

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has sharply criticised the Punjab government, accusing it of failing to control crime, corruption and the growing drug problem in the state. Addressing a rally in Jalandhar on Friday, Modi said rising gang wars, extortion cases and attacks on police stations had put Punjab’s future at risk. He alleged that corruption allegations and criminal cases involving leaders of the ruling party had weakened public trust.

He also accused the state government of failing to properly utilise central funds meant for roads, irrigation, markets and welfare schemes. Modi claimed that several centrally funded initiatives were being rebranded for political purposes rather than implemented effectively.

Referring to the Ayushman Bharat health insurance programme, the Prime Minister said even welfare schemes had become victims of political branding.

Calling for a “double-engine government” in Punjab, Modi said coordinated governments at the Centre and in the state were necessary to accelerate development and create opportunities for young people.

The Prime Minister highlighted what he described as the transformation of India’s railway sector and said Punjab’s youth could benefit from emerging opportunities in the country’s growing sports economy.

Earlier in the day, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones of projects worth more than ₹4,700 crore in Chandigarh, covering healthcare, education and road infrastructure.

He described Chandigarh as a model city and said its development remained a priority for the central government. He noted that more than ₹2,500 crore had been spent under initiatives aimed at making the city more technologically advanced.

Modi also announced the expansion of healthcare infrastructure at the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER), including an Advanced Neurosciences Centre, a Mother and Child Centre and a Critical Care Hospital Block.

He said these projects would strengthen medical services for millions of people from Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu and Kashmir who depend on Chandigarh for specialised treatment.

The Prime Minister also praised the Swachh Bharat Mission and highlighted the contribution of retired IPS officer Inderjit Singh Sidhu, popularly known as the “Broom Warrior”, for promoting cleanliness initiatives.

Earlier, in Haryana’s Jind district, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for projects worth around ₹14,700 crore, including railway, highway and healthcare initiatives.

He announced the launch of India’s first hydrogen-powered train corridor between Jind and Sonipat, calling it a major step towards green transportation and the future modernisation of Indian Railways.

The Prime Minister said Haryana had become a model of development and asserted that infrastructure investments would further strengthen healthcare, connectivity and economic opportunities in the state.