Ludhiana: Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) state president Sunil Jakhar has intensified his critique of the state’s political landscape, alleging a tacit agreement between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Congress Opposition. Speaking recently, Jakhar claimed the Congress has “surrendered” to chief minister Bhagwant Mann, causing public issues to disappear from both parties’ agendas. He pointed to Rahul Gandhi’s recent visit to Punjab—noting the absence of any criticism against the AAP government—as evidence of an evident alliance.Addressing Arvind Kejriwal as the “Super CM” of Punjab, Jakhar questioned the government’s International Women’s Day budget announcement regarding the ₹1,000 monthly allowance for women. He demanded the government account for ₹48,000 in arrears per woman for the past 48 months. Furthermore, Jakhar called for clarity on the role of Vaibhav Kumar, who is allegedly involved in an assault on a woman MP, questioning how the government can claim to honor women under such circumstances.Jaipur colours, Punjab bluesThe BJP leader also targeted Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa over the sending of PRTC buses to Jaipur for painting in AAP colors. Jakhar questioned why such contracts are being given outside the state, asking, “Does Punjab not even have painters capable of painting buses?” He alleged that during the previous Congress tenure, files related to similar Rajasthan-based contracts were used to “blackmail” leaders, and challenged Bajwa to raise the issue in the Assembly.Responding to queries about a potential alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Jakhar noted that while party members may have differing opinions, any final decision must serve the interests of Punjab. He described the state’s current situation as “critical,” citing a heavy debt burden and an atmosphere of “fear and uncertainty.”Jakhar also reviewed preparations for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s upcoming rally in Moga on March 14. Likening Shah to “Iron Man” Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Jakhar referred to him as the “Iron Man of modern India.” He emphasized Shah’s concern for the state, citing the appointment of a Punjabi as the Lieutenant Governor of Delhi as a point of pride for Punjab.
