Ludhiana, June 22
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Nitin Nabin has sharply criticised Punjab’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, describing it as a setback for the state’s progress and urging voters to remove it from power in the 2027 Assembly elections.
Speaking during a three-day visit to Punjab, Nabin on Sunday said the BJP was committed to restoring development and prosperity in the state. Addressing party workers in Ludhiana, he claimed Punjab had suffered from governance failures, rising debt, concerns over law and order, and the continuing challenge of drug abuse.
The BJP leader also targeted Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over a recently circulated alleged objectionable video, saying the matter had hurt public sentiments. He argued that Punjab’s people place deep importance on respect for their religious and cultural values.
Nabin accused the state government of disappointing young people by failing to create opportunities and tackle key issues. He alleged that Punjab, once known for its industrial and manufacturing potential, had struggled to realise economic growth under the current administration.
Highlighting the BJP’s national expansion, Nabin said the party had grown significantly over the decades and expressed confidence that it could emerge as a major political force in Punjab. He reiterated the party’s ambition to form the next state government and said a BJP-led administration would focus on development, investment and employment.
The BJP leader claimed the central government had allocated substantial funds for Punjab’s development over the past decade, while alleging that the benefits had not been fully realised on the ground. He called for greater accountability in the use of public resources.
Nabin also raised concerns about Punjab’s financial position, claiming that the state’s debt had risen significantly. He said the BJP would pursue economic reforms and a development-focused model if elected to power.
Appealing to party workers, he urged them to engage with voters and highlight issues such as crime, drug trafficking and economic challenges. He also called for collective efforts to eliminate drug abuse from villages and towns across the state.
Concluding his address, Nabin said Punjab occupies a special place in Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for national development and expressed confidence that voters would support the BJP’s agenda in the coming elections.
Punjab is expected to go to the polls in 2027, with the BJP having already indicated that it intends to contest the election independently.
