Punjabis Will Remind BJP Of The Sacrifice Of 750 Farmers & Issues Of BBMB, Chandigarh And Panjab University: Baltej Pannu

Chandigarh: Reacting to statements by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders regarding contesting the upcoming Punjab Vidhan Sabha elections independently or entering into an alliance, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said that the party was least concerned about the BJP's electoral arrangements. He asserted that AAP would approach the people on the strength of its historic development initiatives and achievements in Punjab. He expressed confidence that the AAP government would return to power and Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann would become the Chief Minister for a second consecutive term.

CM Bhagwant Mann's Direct Connection with the Public: In a statement, AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu said that since Independence in 1947, Bhagwant Singh Mann was the first Chief Minister in Punjab's history to remain in direct contact with the common people. He said, “Earlier, meeting a Chief Minister directly was considered impossible, but today, wherever CM Bhagwant Singh Mann goes, he stops to meet even those standing along the roads. Every Punjabi feels that he is their own Chief Minister. This direct connection with the people reflects the people-centric approach of our government.”

AAP Government's Five-Year Development Achievements: Baltej Pannu stated that the AAP government had accomplished in five years what previous governments could not achieve in 70 years. He said, “We have ensured canal water reaches fields across 88 per cent of Punjab's agricultural area, provided 600 units of free electricity to households and introduced cashless health insurance coverage of ₹10 lakh. No Chief Minister in the history of India has undertaken such revolutionary initiatives for the welfare of the people.”

BJP's Confusion Over Electoral Strategy: Taking a dig at the BJP leadership, Baltej Pannu said that the party appeared confused about its electoral strategy. He remarked, “On one hand, BJP leaders talk about contesting all 117 Assembly seats independently, while on the other, they speak about entering into an alliance. This contradictory stand clearly reflects the confusion within the BJP.”

AAP Says Punjab Voters Will Reject BJP: Baltej Pannu asserted that whether the BJP contests all 117 Assembly seats independently or enters into an alliance with another party, the people of Punjab would never vote for it. He said, “The people of Punjab have not forgotten that 750 farmers sacrificed their lives at the borders of Delhi because of the BJP. The party cannot erase this painful chapter from the memory of Punjab.”

Punjab's Key Issues and BJP's Policies: Baltej Pannu further stated that issues concerning the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB), Chandigarh and Panjab University, along with the continued withholding of funds meant for Punjab, remained major concerns for the state. He said, “The BJP has consistently pursued policies that go against Punjab's interests. The people of Punjab are fully aware of these actions and will never allow a party that works against the state's interests to win the elections.”

AAP Confident of People's Mandate: Reiterating his confidence in the party's electoral prospects, Baltej Pannu said that AAP would approach the people with its record of development, public welfare and governance. He expressed confidence that the people would once again give the party the mandate to serve Punjab.