PM Modi attacks AAP government in Punjab, targets Shiromani Akali Dal

New Delhi: With Punjab Assembly elections just months away, Prime Minister Narendra Modi charged the AAP government in the state with running a highly corrupt dispensation that has failed to check the drug menace affecting the “future of the country” and in providing good governance. He also attacked Shiromani Akali Dal, virtually ruling out chances of an alliance with the former NDA partner.

Addressing a rally in Jalandhar on Friday, the prime minister attacked Aam Aadmi Party leadership for engaging in “rampant corruption” not just in Punjab but also Delhi and Gujarat. Without naming him, Modi referred to the recent conviction of AAP leader Tahir Hussain in the 2020 Delhi riots and the brutal murder of IB officer Ankit Sharma.

“What is happening in Punjab today is not hidden from anybody. Betrayal of the people is being concealed through the power of advertisements. Law and order in Punjab is in disarray. Nobody knows when and where a gang war and firing will start. Doing business has become difficult here. Extortion money is being demanded openly. Even police stations are not secure and are attacked often. It is very unfortunate that the future of Punjab is being destroyed with drug peddlers roaming around freely. The youth of Punjab is being pushed into the swamp of addiction,” Modi said.


Attacking the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP dispensation, he said those in power in Punjab today used to make arrogant claims of transforming the country’s politics but nation can see the reality.

Referring to the conviction of Tahir Hussain, Modi said, “Two days back a court in Delhi has convicted one of their leaders. The charge against him is of abetting riots and the murder of an IB staffer. But look at their arrogance- the court gave its verdict on the basis of evidence but they are raising questions about the decision. They are looking for a communal angle in the court verdict as it is an issue of their vote bank.”

Assembly elections are due in Punjab in February and BJP is likely to contest on its own steam. Several AAP lawmakers have moved to the saffron party in recent weeks.

In his speech, the prime minister recalled cases against other AAP leaders, including a seven year sentence against an AAP MLA in Gujarat for attacking government servants and engaging in extortion.

“Extortion, coercion, illegal occupation have all become trademarks of their politics. Many of their leaders are out on bail on such cases. In Punjab, the leader who was made health minster had to be removed on charges of taking bribes. There are serious charges of money laundering on another minister. Their ministers are being caught red-handed while taking bribes. If we count on, there will be very few left in their party who have no stains on them.. AAP’s very identity is of a highly corrupt party,” he said.

Modi alleged that the state government is not implementing Centre’s welfare schemes and passing off some of them as their own.

“For Punjab’s development a double engine government of BJP is needed. You have the example of BJP ruled states,” Modi said, naming the governments in Delhi and Haryana. He alleged that Punjab is not giving farmers and state government employees their dues and women have been backstabbed as election promises made to them have not been kept.

He also attacked the Shiromani Akali Dal, alleging they are entangled in their own selfish interests and are not concerned about the people. “Only a BJP government can bring about a transformation in Punjab,” he claimed.

Attacking the Congress, Modi said its own internal fights are never-ending with leaders fighting for posts. “They are not fighting for the rights of the people but for who keeps the Chair,” he said.