New Delhi: AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday said that the Centre is suffering from an 'anti-Punjab' syndrome as he urged voters to deliver a decisive blow to it in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. CM Kejriwal also appealed to the people of Punjab to elect AAP candidates on all 13 seats in the state. Kejriwal criticised the Union government for allegedly rejecting Punjab's tableau for the Republic Day parade, saying it was 'humiliation' of Punjabis and remarked that the martyrs of the state do not need NOC (no-objection certificate) from the Centre for their supreme sacrifices.
"The Centre is suffering from anti-Punjab syndrome due to which they need to be taught a lesson", PTI quoted Delhi CM as saying. Kejriwal also slammed the Union government for creating obstacles in the smooth functioning of the non-BJP-ruled states, calling it the high-handedness of the Centre.
During the 'Sarkar Vyapaar Milni' program, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann engaged in extensive discussions with industrialists and traders. Mann emphasised the significance of these meetings, describing them as a pioneering initiative aimed at safeguarding the interests of the trading community. He reiterated the importance of revitalising Punjab's economy, emphasising the crucial role of industry and trade as the backbone of the state's economic landscape, reported PTI.
Kejriwal Accuses Centre Of Withholding Rs 8,000 Crore Of Punjab's Fund, Lauds 'Aam Aadmi Clinics'
Kejriwal urged the public to ensure the victory of AAP candidates in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, emphasising that it would not only strengthen his party but also support CM Mann's efforts. At a separate event, during the inauguration of a prestigious school, the Delhi Chief Minister criticised the Centre for its treatment of Punjab, highlighting the alleged challenges faced by Mann in his dealings with the BJP, Centre, and the Governor. Kejriwal condemned the withholding of Rs 8,000 crore of Punjab's funds by the Centre, stressing that this money belongs to the people of Punjab and could have been utilised for crucial developmental projects.
In his address to industrialists, the AAP chief lauded the Mann government's tireless efforts towards the welfare of all sections of society. He highlighted the recent inauguration of 165 'Aam Aadmi Clinics' on Saturday, emphasising that such a comprehensive initiative for quality healthcare provision had not been undertaken in the past 75 years. Kejriwal mentioned that there are now 829 operational Aam Aadmi Clinics in the state, providing free treatment to the public. He said that even residents in affluent areas of Delhi have expressed the need for Mohalla clinics to access quality healthcare services.
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The Delhi Chief Minister highlighted the concerted efforts of the Punjab government in renovating government schools and upgrading hospitals with modern infrastructure. He underscored the importance of the industrial sector as the backbone for providing employment opportunities to the youth, emphasising the state government's commitment to prioritising job creation. Kejriwal criticised previous administrations for neglecting the welfare of industrialists and traders, asserting that their concerns were often overlooked. The Delhi chief minister described these 'milnis' as the need of the hour for better coordination amongst the state government and the traders. He said it is the need of the hour for early resolution of the issues faced by the traders through these 'milnis', as per PTI.
Era Of Harassment Of Industry And Traders Is Over: Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann asserted that the state government is fully committed to transforming the state and driving its development agenda forward. He emphasised that their approach is centered around a politics of action, focusing on the welfare of the people and the overall progress of the state. Mann highlighted significant achievements, noting that investments totaling Rs 70,000 crore have been secured in Punjab thus far. Mann further outlined plans to enhance infrastructure in focal points and Special Economic Zones (SEZs), alongside measures to bolster security in industrial areas through the establishment of dedicated police posts.
The Punjab chief minister said, "The era of harassment of the industry and traders is over and the state government will now act as a facilitator. Unlike in the past, no one will harass the industrialists. Rather the state government will make every effort to promote and encourage the industry."
He said the state government will make concerted efforts to safeguard, promote, and expand the existing industrial units in the state.