Has the AAP Government in Punjab Sold off State Assets to Hide Financial Mismanagement?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Allegations of asset sales by AAP to cover financial mismanagement.
- Criticism from opposition regarding governance and economic stability.
- Five major properties targeted for auctioning.
- Bajwa's call for accountability in governance.
- Public sentiment turning against AAP's financial strategies.
Chandigarh, Sep 20 (NationPress) The Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, has criticized the Aam Aadmi Party government, claiming it has engaged in a deliberate strategy of selling off the state’s assets to disguise its severe financial mismanagement.
Bajwa condemned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, and AAP national leader Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that this “trio” is driving Punjab towards an economic downfall while attempting to auction off five significant government properties covering 111 acres. He described this as a “desperate attempt to maintain political relevance by jeopardizing Punjab’s future.”
“This administration has turned Punjab into a financially troubled, mismanaged entity. What we witness is not governance but blatant theft — plundering public resources to mask their own failures,” Bajwa stated.
The assets identified by the high-powered committee on Optimum Use of Vacant Government Land (OUVGL) comprise the Printing Press Colony (eight acres) in Patiala, Printing Press Site (10 acres) in Patiala, land for a Veterinary Hospital (2.27 acres) in Barewal Awana in Ludhiana, a sugar mill (89 acres) in Sheron in Tarn Taran, and the PWD Guest House (1.75 acres) in Gurdaspur.
Bajwa argued that these lands are not merely valuable properties but also possess potential for public utility and the long-term growth of the state — now being “liquidated like junk to cover AAP’s financial blunders.”
In a jab at Kejriwal, Congress leader Bajwa remarked that the AAP chief’s self-styled financial acumen, stemming from his previous role as an Assistant Commissioner of Income Tax, has turned out to be a “complete sham.”
“Kejriwal pledged to generate ₹34,000 crore annually by combating corruption and an additional ₹20,000 crore from mining. Where is that revenue? All we observe is illusions, distractions, and now — fire sales of Punjab’s properties,” Bajwa warned, emphasizing that the population is neither blind nor gullible.
“The citizens of Punjab have recognized AAP’s web of deceit, lies, and irresponsible governance. They are poised to deliver a decisive electoral backlash — one from which AAP will not bounce back,” he concluded.