Corruption, Debt, Lawlessness, and Broken Promises—Punjab’s Struggle Under AAP Rule
AS THE BHAGWANT MANN led Punjab government completes three years in power, the state is grappling with a worsening crisis on multiple fronts. Mounting debt, an unchecked drug menace, rampant illegal mining, law and order collapse, and a series of unfulfilled promises have defined this government’s tenure.
Worse still, Punjab is being run not by its elected Chief Minister but by Arvind Kejriwal from Delhi, reducing the state government to a puppet regime.
Adding to this dismal state of affairs is the widespread corruption at both the political and bureaucratic levels, making governance in Punjab a free-for-all loot.
Punjab Under Remote Control: A Government Without Autonomy
The Bhagwant Mann government has completely surrendered Punjab’s interests to Arvind Kejriwal’s ambitions.
Also Read: Does Bhagwant Mann even know the meaning of Ethics and Morality?
Key policy decisions, governance strategies, and even ministerial appointments are being dictated from Delhi, making Punjab’s elected government a mere extension of Kejriwal’s political agenda. The people of Punjab had voted for self-rule, but instead, they have been handed over to an outsider who has no stake in the state’s well-being.
Rampant Corruption: The Nexus Between Politicians and Bureaucracy
Far from delivering clean governance, the Mann administration has seen a massive surge in corruption.
Power corridors in Punjab are now infested with political and bureaucratic corruption, with backdoor deals, bribery, and favouritism becoming the norm.
Whether it is illegal mining, liquor licenses, or administrative postings, nothing moves without hefty kickbacks. The very system that was meant to serve the people has been hijacked for personal gains, while the government turns a blind eye to the growing rot.
Mounting Debt: Punjab on the Brink of Financial Ruin
The financial situation of Punjab has gone from bad to worse under Bhagwant Mann’s leadership. Despite lofty promises of financial prudence, the state’s debt has skyrocketed to historic levels.
Reckless borrowing and mismanagement have drained the treasury, leaving Punjab with no resources for real development. Instead of investing in infrastructure, health, and education, the government has wasted funds on self-promotion and unsustainable populist measures.
Rising Drug Menace: A Generation at Risk
The government’s failure to control the drug problem has put Punjab’s youth at grave risk. The once-promised war against drugs has been reduced to empty rhetoric, as narcotics continue to flow freely across the state.
The lack of political will to dismantle the drug cartels raises serious concerns about whether the administration is deliberately shielding those involved in the trade. Punjab’s future is being destroyed while the government watches in silence.
Illegal Mining: The Loot of Punjab’s Natural Resources
Illegal mining has become a full-fledged industry under the Mann government, with sand mafias enjoying political protection. The state’s rivers and environment are being plundered, while those in power profit from underhanded deals.
Revenue losses due to illegal mining run into thousands of crores, yet no concrete action has been taken. Instead of cracking down on the culprits, the government has allowed this open loot to continue unchecked.
Law and Order Breakdown: Punjab in Chaos
The law and order situation in Punjab has hit rock bottom, with increasing crime, gang wars, and political vendettas. Criminals roam freely, and citizens live in fear as the police force remains paralyzed due to political interference. The government’s inability to maintain peace and security has made Punjab a breeding ground for lawlessness, jeopardizing the safety of its people.
Betrayal of Promises: A Government of Lies
The Mann government’s list of broken promises is long. Justice in sacrilege cases remains a distant dream, despite repeated assurances.
The much-publicized ₹1,000 monthly allowance for women has not materialized even after three years. Unemployment remains at an all-time high, and the promised revolution in health and education is nowhere to be seen. This government has built its tenure on deceit, failing to deliver on even a single major commitment.
The Road Ahead: Punjab Deserves Better
Punjab cannot afford two more years of misrule, corruption, and remote-controlled governance. The people of the state must demand accountability, transparency, and leadership that puts Punjab first. It is time to reclaim Punjab’s autonomy and put an end to the governance disaster that has unfolded under Bhagwant Mann. 
Also Read:
Punjab: Rule of Law vs Bulldozed Justice
Bulldozer Justice and Alice in Wonderland
Sukhpal Singh Khaira
The writer is a Congress MLA from Bholath, former Leader of Opposition in Punjab, and Chairman of All India Kisan Congress.
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