29 May
Sandeep Dhand Ludhiana
In a significant meeting with industrialists and businessmen, AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal appealed for support for AAP’s Lok Sabha candidate, Ashok Parashar Pappi, from Ludhiana. Addressing the gathering, Kejriwal accused the Modi government of hindering Punjab’s development by withholding crucial funds amounting to approximately ₹9,000 crore. He emphasized that ₹5,500 crore of this is from the Rural Development Fund, alleging that the BJP aims to stall Punjab’s progress.
Kejriwal highlighted the past struggles of Punjab’s business and industrial sectors, noting that before AAP’s governance, many industries relocated to other states like Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan. However, he claimed that in the past two years under AAP’s administration, this trend has reversed, and investments worth ₹56,000 crore have poured into Punjab, boosting local industries.
The AAP leader also referenced the farmer’s movement, stating that 750 farmers, predominantly from Punjab, lost their lives during the protests. He accused the BJP of threatening Punjabis to destabilize the AAP government but assured that AAP volunteers and the people of Punjab remain resolute against such intimidation.
Kejriwal’s address aimed to galvanize industrial support for AAP, emphasizing a commitment to Punjab’s development and resilience against political threats.