The Aam Aadmi Party’s decision to deploy 1,600 government‑owned buses, funded entirely by the state treasury, for a political rally has sparked widespread concern across Punjab. For many citizens, this move represents more than just a questionable administrative choice—it reflects a deeper pattern in which public resources appear to be diverted for partisan benefit rather than public welfare.
At a time when Punjab is grappling with severe financial stress, the use of such a massive fleet of government buses for political mobilization raises fundamental questions about governance priorities. Essential sectors of the state continue to struggle for basic funding, yet government assets are readily made available for party events. This contradiction has intensified public frustration and eroded trust in the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The situation becomes even more troubling when viewed alongside the state’s unresolved financial obligations. PRTC and Punbus are still awaiting ₹750 crore under the free travel scheme for women, leaving transport corporations under immense strain. Electricity subsidy arrears of ₹10,500 crore remain pending, further weakening Punjab’s fragile fiscal position. Additionally, ₹2,700 crore owed to various government departments has not been released, disrupting essential public services and slowing down day‑to‑day operations.
Meanwhile, PRTC employees continue to protest in Patiala, demanding long‑delayed salaries and pensions. These are the very workers who keep the state’s transport system functioning, yet they are left without financial security—even as government buses are mobilized instantly for political purposes. This disparity highlights a serious imbalance in how public resources are prioritized and allocated.
For a state already burdened by debt, unemployment, and deteriorating infrastructure, the misuse of government assets for political gain undermines democratic accountability. Public resources exist to serve the people, not political agendas. When funds for welfare schemes, employee salaries, and essential services remain stuck while state machinery is deployed for partisan events, it raises legitimate concerns about whether governance in Punjab is truly aligned with the needs of its citizens.
Punjab deserves leadership that protects public resources, upholds transparency, and places the interests of the people above party politics. The growing gap between promises and delivery has become impossible to ignore, and many Punjabis are now demanding a more responsible and accountable approach to governance.