Chandigarh/Ludhiana: Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Cabinet Minister Bikramjit Singh Majithia on Wednesday alleged that the people of Punjab had “reached the end of their patience,” claiming that growing concerns over drug abuse, deteriorating civic infrastructure and alleged misuse of police authority had led to widespread public dissatisfaction with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
Referring to a visit to Talwandi Kalan village in Ludhiana district’s Gill Assembly constituency, Majithia claimed that several mothers broke down in tears while describing the impact of drug addiction on their families. According to him, the women alleged that the drug menace had devastated many households and demanded stronger action from the state government.
The former minister also alleged that villagers who questioned the condition of roads, sanitation and other civic amenities faced retaliation. He claimed that the police seized a vehicle belonging to local residents at the alleged behest of the area MLA after they raised questions about public issues. These allegations have not been independently verified.
Targeting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Majithia drew a contrast between the AAP’s 2022 election campaign and the current situation. He said that while the party had encouraged citizens to “ask questions” before coming to power, people now allegedly faced police action for raising concerns. He accused the government of suppressing dissent and questioned whether this reflected the democratic values promised by AAP.
Majithia further described the state government’s functioning as a failure on governance and law and order, alleging that public confidence in the administration had weakened due to unresolved issues relating to drugs, infrastructure and civic services.
There was no immediate response from the Aam Aadmi Party or the Punjab government to Majithia’s allegations. An official response would be included once received.
The allegations come amid continued political exchanges between opposition parties and the ruling AAP over the government’s handling of drug abuse, public infrastructure and governance in Punjab.