Congress MLA Pargat Singh Slams Punjab AAP Government Over Alleged Misuse of Public Buses
Congress MLA Pargat Singh from Jalandhar Cantonment launched a sharp attack on the AAP-led Punjab government on Wednesday. He accused the administration of misusing public resources by deploying government buses for a political rally during the Maghi Mela in Muktsar.
Singh called this move a clear case of misuse of public resources. He pointed out the irony in the government's actions. The same government that claims it lacks funds to pay salaries and pensions to its employees is making buses readily available for political rallies.
Financial Hypocrisy and Governance Failures
"This is not governance," Singh stated firmly. "It is outright looting of public resources by the government." He elaborated that the Punjab government seems to have no money for people's basic rights but is fully prepared to spend on political theatrics and chanting new slogans from the stage.
The MLA criticized the state for squandering crores on propaganda while essential services suffer. He highlighted that Punjab has become the second most indebted state in the country. Subsidies and other freebies are only increasing this debt burden day by day.
Alarming Rise in State Debt
According to reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) and other central agencies, Singh revealed shocking figures. The state's debt has skyrocketed from Rs 2.25 lakh crore to nearly Rs 4 lakh crore in just four years. Projections suggest it could reach a staggering Rs 5 lakh crore by the end of 2026.
Singh provided specific examples of financial mismanagement. To earn public praise, the Punjab government made women's travel free on government buses. However, the transport corporations, PRTC and PUNBUS, have not yet received the Rs 750 crore owed for this free travel scheme.
Unpaid Dues and Employee Protests
The consequences are severe. PRTC employees are currently protesting in Patiala because they are not even getting their salaries on time. Singh detailed the outstanding dues:
- Rs 2,700 crore is outstanding with various government departments.
- Rs 10,500 crore in electricity subsidy dues are still pending.
Pargat Singh's accusations paint a picture of a government prioritizing political gains over public welfare. The misuse of buses for a rally, he argues, is just one symptom of a larger financial crisis crippling Punjab.
