Congress Criticizes Punjab Government Over Drug Issues and Governance

Allegations of Authoritarianism

Former Punjab minister Balbir Singh Sidhu sharply criticized the state government during a media briefing on Monday. He described the “Lok Milni” program in Saneta as a “police milni” and accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of misleading the public ahead of elections by announcing a grant of Rs 40 lakh. He claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government has adopted an “authoritarian approach” and has failed to address the escalating drug problem in the state.

Sidhu expressed disappointment with the format of the program, stating that its purpose of facilitating direct public interaction was not achieved. According to him, the Chief Minister primarily delivered a speech from the stage, while local MLA Kulwant Singh did not address crucial constituency issues.

Concerns About Public Access

Sidhu remarked that an excessive police presence transformed the “Lok Milni” into an event inaccessible to ordinary citizens. He stated, “Common people were not allowed to approach the Chief Minister due to heavy deployment,” and questioned the commitment to hear public grievances if citizens were barred from attending.

Additionally, he alleged that a woman who attempted to voice her concerns during the program was silenced. He asserted, “In Punjab today, voices critical of the government are being suppressed,” and criticized this practice as contrary to democratic values.

Failure to Address Drug Issues

Sidhu further criticized the government for its actions regarding the drug crisis, stating, “The menace of ‘chitta’ is increasing, while the government is limited to advertisements and photo opportunities.” He expressed his belief that the state’s handling of this issue is inadequate.

On the Rs 40 lakh grant, Sidhu referred to it as insufficient for the area’s needs and suggested it seemed more like a token gesture without any assurance regarding enhancements to the health center established during the prior Congress government.

Highlighting Previous Achievements

While addressing the audience, Sidhu highlighted the developmental initiatives accomplished under the Congress regime in Saneta village. He pointed to improvements in areas such as pond rejuvenation, panchayat infrastructure, the supply of drinking water, street upgrades, and drain constructions, along with significant funding for schools, community centers, and a Rs 4-crore hospital project.

He went on to criticize the current government for its failures across various sectors, including electricity, healthcare, employment, and law and order. He noted, “Farmers are facing power cuts, youth remain unemployed, hospitals lack facilities, and people feel insecure.” These failures, he claims, have left the populace disillusioned.

Public Sentiment and Future Actions

According to Sidhu, the residents of Punjab have become aware of the government’s shortcomings and will respond appropriately in the future. He warned that if public concerns continue to be stifled, the Congress party is prepared to “take to the streets” to voice their protests.