Since assuming office, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab has promised a new style of politics—clean governance, people-centric policies, and decisive action to pull the state out of prolonged economic and social distress. However, as the government enters its fifth year, criticism is growing louder that the focus has shifted away from real governance toward aggressive advertising and image-building, especially as public patience wears thin.
AAP swept to power on the back of bold guarantees: employment for youth, overhaul of the health and education systems, women’s financial support, an end to corruption, and relief from Punjab’s crushing debt. On the ground, however, many of these promises remain unfulfilled or only partially implemented. While announcements and inaugurations have been frequent, critics argue that tangible outcomes—such as sustainable jobs, improved hospitals, or visible administrative reforms are hard to find in daily life.
One of the sharpest criticisms against the AAP government is its heavy reliance on advertisements and publicity campaigns. From large newspaper spreads to hoardings and social media promotions, government messaging has been omnipresent. Opponents allege that crores of rupees have been spent on branding the chief minister and the party’s schemes, even as essential sectors like healthcare infrastructure, forensic facilities, and rural development face shortages. The charge is simple but serious: money is being spent to look effective rather than to be effective.
The government has repeatedly projected a tough stance on crime, often using slogans such as a “war against gangsters.” Yet, high-profile incidents of violence, extortion, and gang activity continue to surface. For many citizens, the perception is that law and order campaigns are more symbolic than substantive, designed to reassure through press conferences rather than deliver lasting security on the streets.
Several welfare promises that played a crucial role in AAP’s electoral victory, most notably the ₹1,000 monthly allowance for women, have not materialised. Similarly, claims of revolutionary changes in healthcare and education are questioned by opposition parties, who argue that the benefits are overstated in advertisements while access and quality remain inconsistent in reality.
Punjab’s financial condition remains a major concern. The state continues to carry one of the highest debt burdens in the country. Critics argue that, instead of adopting tough fiscal reforms and prioritising productive investment, the government has relied on borrowing while also funding large publicity exercises. This, they say, risks pushing the state deeper into economic trouble without creating long-term solutions.
Another troubling allegation is that the government has become increasingly sensitive to criticism. Opposition leaders and journalists have accused the administration of attempting to control the narrative, sometimes responding more forcefully to negative coverage than to governance failures. This approach, critics argue, undermines democratic accountability and reinforces the perception that optics matter more than outcomes.
Among sections of the public, especially youth and farmers, there is a sense of disappointment and fatigue. Expectations were high when AAP came to power, but many now feel that daily struggles unemployment, inflation, insecurity, and weak public services remain largely unchanged. For them, glossy advertisements do little to address lived realities.
As the AAP government moves forward, it faces a critical test of credibility. Advertising and communication are legitimate tools of governance, but they cannot substitute for delivery. Punjab’s challenges require hard decisions, sustained reforms, and visible results, not just well-designed campaigns. Whether the government can shift from perception management to performance will determine not only its political future but also the trust of the people who voted for change.