Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu on Sunday hit out at the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), urging it to fulfill its promises in Punjab before announcing new plans for Delhi, where assembly elections are to be held on February 5.
Addressing a press conference in the national capital, Bittu criticized AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal for his “unfulfilled commitments” in Punjab, including a promise to provide Rs 1,000 per month to women.
Bittu alleged, “Kejriwal talks about free schemes every day in Delhi, but what about Punjab? He promised to eliminate drug addiction in Punjab, but no concrete action has been taken. In fact, in Punjab there will be no drug addiction in 2023.” There were 144 deaths due to drug overdose, the highest in the country.”
He also expressed concern over the law and order situation in Punjab under AAP rule, citing a 10 per cent rise in rape cases last year and the murder of singer Sidhu Moose Wala after the state government downgraded his security. Bittu targeted AAP over Delhi’s liquor excise policy and claimed that it had contributed to the rise in alcoholism.
He criticized the party for failing to stop brain drain from Punjab and said that despite AAP’s promise to address the issue, more youth were migrating to countries like Canada. Bittu’s comments come amid a bitter contest between the BJP and AAP for the Delhi Assembly elections. While the BJP is aiming to return to power in the national capital after 25 years, the AAP is trying to win for the third consecutive time. The election results will be declared on 8 February.
