Former education minister and Jalandhar Cantt MLA Pargat Singh has strongly criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to Punjab, describing it as a significant "letdown" for the people of the state. The Congress leader asserted that the visit failed to meet the heightened expectations that had been generated ahead of the Prime Minister's arrival.
Disappointment Over Aviation Connectivity
Pargat Singh expressed deep disappointment that Punjab received neither a substantive relief package nor any meaningful boost to aviation connectivity during the Prime Minister's visit. He highlighted that neither Adampur nor Halwara airports secured any major new flight services, leaving the state's air travel infrastructure largely unchanged.
Symbolic Gestures Without Tangible Development
While welcoming the renaming of Adampur airport after Shri Guru Ravidas Ji, the Congress legislator remarked that such symbolic gestures carry little value without accompanying tangible development. He questioned why Adampur airport was not upgraded to international status and why direct flights to Delhi remained absent.
The former minister emphasized that the airport continues to lack connectivity with other major cities, which he said reflects a lack of seriousness towards Punjab's aspirations and development needs.
Missed Opportunities for Major Initiatives
Pargat Singh argued that if the Prime Minister genuinely prioritized Punjab, he should have announced at least one major initiative during his visit. He specifically pointed to the need for new flight routes that could ease travel for overseas Indians, industrialists, and entrepreneurs from the Doaba region.
"The optimism surrounding the visit quickly turned into disappointment," said Pargat Singh, noting that Halwara airport continues to remain without international connectivity, with reports suggesting a delay of nearly two years before such services could begin.
Financial Concerns and Relief Package Criticism
The Congress leader further alleged that while the Shiromani Akali Dal pushed Punjab into debt, the Aam Aadmi Party government has driven the state into what he described as a financial emergency. He highlighted that devastating floods have affected large parts of Punjab, leaving the state in urgent need of a comprehensive central relief package.
Instead of substantial assistance, Pargat Singh noted that the Prime Minister arrived and departed after announcing only a Rs 1,600 crore package, which he characterized as a token gesture. He pointed out that Punjab was largely ignored in the recent Union Budget, making the visit's announcements particularly disappointing.
Allegations of Consistent Neglect
The senior Congress leader also alleged that the Centre has consistently neglected Punjab, including during periods of coalition governments. He claimed that the BJP has consistently prioritized its political interests over the genuine welfare and development needs of the state.
Pargat Singh's criticism underscores growing concerns among opposition leaders about what they perceive as inadequate attention to Punjab's development challenges, particularly in infrastructure and economic recovery following natural disasters.
