Chandigarh Political Upheaval

Political turmoil has gripped Punjab following the high-profile resignations of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) legislators Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and Chetan Singh Jauramajra. During a joint press conference at the Chandigarh Press Club, the dissenting leaders formally severed ties with the ruling party, directing sharp criticism at AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal and the administration headed by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

The lawmakers stated that the party has fundamentally drifted away from the core promises that initially earned them the mandate of the people of Punjab. Their grievances span a wide array of governance challenges, including worsening law and order, persistent drug abuse, unfulfilled agricultural promises, and deep-seated administrative corruption.

Escalating Law and Order and Drug Concerns

A primary focus of the legislators' critique was the government's handling of the state's drug crisis and deteriorating public safety. Despite the administration being in power for over four and a half years, the leaders questioned how narcotics continue to circulate freely across communities. They also highlighted the October murder of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa as a glaring indicator of the compromised security landscape.

Furthermore, the MLAs pointed to a surge in extortion calls, chain snatching incidents, and organized crime networks operating with impunity, often in close proximity to local police stations and administrative offices.

Governance, Corruption, and Public Services

Accusations of institutional corruption formed another major pillar of the legislators' revolt. They alleged that bribery remains rampant across grassroots government offices, including tehsil branches and police stations. The leaders questioned the consistency of the administration's anti-corruption measures, contrasting them with controversies involving various political figures.

The press conference also brought to light severe administrative shortages in critical public sectors. The dissenting MLAs claimed that nearly 2,400 schools across Punjab are operating with a single teacher each, impacting tens of thousands of students. Substantial vacancies were also cited within the Health Department and higher education institutions.

Unmet Promises to Farmers and Employees

Addressing economic grievances, the legislators criticized the government for failing to deliver on guarantees made to the agricultural community, such as comprehensive minimum support prices and procurement frameworks. Additionally, they highlighted pending financial dues for state government employees and pensioners, noting that billions in allowances and arrears remain unpaid, alongside unfulfilled pledges regarding the regularisation of contractual workers.