In March 2022, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stormed to power in Punjab with a landslide victory, buoyed by its promises of good governance, transparency, and a “Delhi model” of development. Bhagwant Mann was sworn in as Chief Minister, marking AAP’s first victory in a major state outside Delhi. Nearly two years into their term, it is time to evaluate the government’s performance based on their promises and delivery.
Key Promises Made by AAP
Before the elections, AAP made several high-profile commitments, including:
Free Electricity: Up to 300 units of free electricity for households.
Employment: Providing one job per household and filling vacant government posts.
Improved Education: Revamping government schools and introducing the “Delhi model” of education.
Health Infrastructure: Establishing mohalla (neighborhood) clinics and upgrading existing hospitals.
Corruption-Free Governance: Ending corruption and ensuring transparency in public services.
Farm Debt Relief: Waiving loans for farmers and ensuring minimum support prices (MSP) for crops.
Drug Menace: Eradicating the rampant drug problem in Punjab.
Urban and Rural Development: Ensuring better infrastructure and services in both urban and rural areas.
Promises Fulfilled
Free Electricity: The AAP government launched the free electricity scheme in July 2022, providing up to 300 units per household. However, the scheme’s sustainability has been questioned, given Punjab’s financial stress.
Mohalla Clinics: By mid-2023, over 500 mohalla clinics were set up across the state, providing free basic healthcare to citizens. This was a significant step, though critics argue that the clinics lack sufficient medicines and doctors.
Corruption-Free Governance: AAP has taken visible steps to curb corruption, including the establishment of an anti-corruption helpline and high-profile arrests of officials accused of graft.
Education Initiatives: Some government schools have seen improved infrastructure and modernized classrooms. Training programs for teachers have also been introduced, mirroring Delhi’s education reforms.
Promises Yet to Be Fulfilled
Employment: The promise of one job per household has largely remained unmet, with unemployment still being a major issue in the state. Recruitment drives have been slow, and many government positions remain vacant.
Farm Debt Relief: Despite partial loan waivers, many farmers continue to struggle with debt. MSP promises for additional crops have yet to be implemented comprehensively.
Drug Menace: The government has made arrests and launched awareness campaigns, but the drug trade continues to plague the state. Critics argue that AAP’s approach lacks a long-term strategy.
Urban and Rural Development: Infrastructure development has been uneven. Many rural areas still lack basic amenities like clean water and sanitation, while urban centers struggle with pollution and overcrowding.
Challenges Faced by AAP
Fiscal Deficit: Punjab’s financial health remains precarious, with a high debt-to-GDP ratio. Implementing welfare schemes like free electricity has further strained resources.
Political Opposition: AAP has faced pushback from opposition parties and internal challenges in implementing its agenda.
Governance Transition: Transitioning from an urban-focused party in Delhi to managing a largely agrarian state like Punjab has posed significant challenges for AAP.
Public Perception and Average Performance
Public opinion on AAP’s performance in Punjab is mixed:
Strengths: The party has been praised for its focus on healthcare, anti-corruption measures, and partial implementation of free electricity.
Weaknesses: Delays in addressing unemployment, farm issues, and the drug crisis have led to dissatisfaction among many voters.
On average, AAP’s governance in Punjab can be rated as moderate. While they have delivered on some key promises, their performance has been uneven and hampered by fiscal and structural challenges. With three years remaining in their term, there is still time to address the gaps and fulfill their ambitious agenda.