Chandigarh, Jan 10 (NationPress) A group from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) representing Punjab visited Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Friday, urging him to intervene in a matter concerning the Central government's recent decision to reappoint the Chandigarh Advisor as Chief Secretary. They asserted that the Central authority is acting unjustly towards the state.

The delegation emphasized that this development demonstrates the biased approach of the Central government against Punjab. The delegation consisted of the party's state president Aman Arora, along with Cabinet Ministers Harpal Singh Cheema, Harbhajan Singh, Hardeep Singh Mundian, and Barinder Goyal.

Post-meeting, Arora addressed the press, stating that the appointment of a Chief Secretary in place of an Advisor reveals the Centre's anti-Punjab stance. He firmly declared that the Aam Aadmi Party strongly disagrees with this decision, viewing it as an attempt to undermine Punjab's legitimate claim over Chandigarh.

He emphasized that under no circumstances will the party accept this decision, reiterating that Chandigarh historically, politically, and socially belongs to Punjab.

Arora pointed out that Chandigarh was established by displacing 27 villages from Punjab. At the time of the partition, it was indicated that the Union Territory status of Chandigarh was temporary. Furthermore, the Rajiv-Longowal Accord stated that Chandigarh would be returned to Punjab within five years, yet this has not occurred.

The AAP leader challenged the BJP-led Central government’s biased treatment of Punjab, questioning why the state is being subjected to such inequities. He also criticized both the BJP and Congress, asserting that while both parties have held power at the Centre, they have failed to address this issue and have instead attempted to undermine Punjab's rightful claims.

Arora further noted that the Governor promised to convey their concerns and the sentiments of three crore Punjabis to the Central government and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

In response to a question from the media, Finance Minister Cheema criticized the Centre for its ongoing anti-farmer policies. He accused the government of implementing laws designed to dismantle the agricultural sector, particularly the marketing system that supports Punjab’s farming economy.

Cheema recalled that Punjab's farmers previously fought a significant battle to repeal the three controversial farm laws introduced by the BJP. He accused the Central government of attempting to dismantle the marketing system to create a pathway for private corporate-controlled markets, which would exploit farmers and lead to their financial decline.