Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Friday strongly criticised Prime Minister Narendra Modi over his visit to Punjab, alleging that he chose to mislead the people instead of addressing key issues concerning the state. The party demanded that the Prime Minister respond to questions regarding the alleged Shri Ram Mandir donation scam, repeated drug seizures at Gujarat's Mundra Port, and the Centre's pending dues of nearly ₹50,000 crore to Punjab.
AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal accused the Prime Minister of preaching honesty while failing to answer allegations related to the Ram Temple donation controversy. In a post on X, Kejriwal said, "The country's biggest leader of those who stole donations meant for the Shri Ram Temple came to Punjab today to deliver lectures on honesty."
In an official statement, the AAP said the Prime Minister should first answer questions about the alleged Ram Temple donation scam before delivering lectures on integrity.
Responding to Prime Minister Modi's remarks on drug trafficking, the party said the BJP should first explain the repeated recovery of large consignments of narcotics at Gujarat's Mundra Port. AAP alleged that instead of addressing how such consignments reached the port, the BJP was attempting to divert public attention.
"The country has even heard bizarre explanations that the drugs were eaten by rats. Before pointing fingers at Punjab, the BJP must answer for what is happening in Gujarat," the party said.
AAP further asserted that the BJP had no moral authority to lecture Punjab, alleging that the state's condition deteriorated under the BJP-led "double-engine government" between 2014 and 2017. The party accused the Prime Minister of spreading misinformation instead of addressing Punjab's genuine concerns and demanded accountability on the Centre's alleged pending financial dues to the state.
