Rahul Gandhi to address ‘Insaaf Rally’ in Sangrur on Nov 4: Bajwa

Punjab Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over rising state debt, alleged corruption, drug trafficking and deteriorating law and order during a press conference in Amritsar. He also announced a Congress ‘Insaaf Rally’ in Sangrur on November 4, which Rahul Gandhi will attend.

Bajwa said the party chose Sangrur because it is considered AAP’s political stronghold. He alleged that the government had failed to fulfil the expectations of people who voted for change in the 2022 Assembly elections.

Accusing AAP of having a political understanding with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Bajwa alleged that AAP divided Congress votes during elections. Citing Gujarat, he claimed the party’s electoral performance had benefited the BJP. He also questioned the functioning of central agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation, alleging that investigations involving AAP leaders had not led to concrete action.

On Punjab’s financial position, Bajwa claimed the state’s debt had crossed Rs 4.72 lakh crore and could exceed Rs 5 lakh crore by the end of the government’s tenure. He cited Arvind Kejriwal’s earlier promises to curb corruption, generate additional revenue and reduce the state’s debt.

Raising concerns over law and order, Bajwa alleged that traders and doctors in border districts faced extortion threats from gangsters. He claimed that fear had forced shops in Amritsar to close early and questioned the effectiveness of the state police.

Bajwa also questioned security arrangements, alleging that more than 1,000 police personnel were deployed to protect Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s family, while around 1,100 personnel were responsible for security across Amritsar.

He appealed to Punjab residents and non-resident Indians to support efforts to restore peace and promote investment and tourism. He said the November 4 rally would seek accountability from the AAP government over its promises and performance.