Ahead of the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) entered the state’s political arena with a slew of promises that resonated with a disenchanted electorate. Disillusioned by the traditional parties—Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal—many voters turned to AAP, inspired by its governance model in Delhi and the charismatic leadership of Arvind Kejriwal. Bhagwant Mann, a popular figure with a clean image, was projected as the Chief Ministerial face, leading the party to a sweeping victory with 92 out of 117 seats. However, over two years into its tenure, AAP’s performance has drawn criticism, with many of its pre-election commitments either delayed or unfulfilled.One of the most pressing issues in Punjab is unemployment, especially among the youth. AAP had promised to generate massive employment opportunities and provide stable government jobs. Bhagwant Mann himself assured lakhs of jobs in the public sector and the regularisation of contractual workers. However, on the ground, the situation remains bleak. Unemployment figures continue to rise, with thousands of educated youths either protesting on the streets or migrating abroad in search of better opportunities. Job fairs and online portals launched by the government have not resulted in substantial or long-term employment generation.
Punjab’s farmers were another key constituency that AAP promised to empower. The party committed to ensuring Minimum Support Price (MSP) on all crops, not just wheat and paddy, to help farmers diversify and achieve better income security. However, there has been no significant policy development or budgetary support to implement this promise. With input costs rising and procurement support absent for most crops, farmers continue to struggle with mounting debts and economic uncertainty. The lack of comprehensive farm reforms or debt relief has eroded the trust many had placed in the new government.
A highly publicised pre-election promise was the monthly transfer of ₹1,000 to every adult woman in the state. The scheme, aimed at women’s empowerment and financial independence, attracted widespread support and became a defining feature of AAP’s campaign. However, after coming to power, the promise has not been fulfilled. The government has cited financial constraints, but critics argue that it was a clear case of political gimmickry. For many women, especially in rural and economically weaker sections, the delay in implementing this scheme has been deeply disappointing.
AAP promised a clean, citizen-friendly police force and an end to highhandedness and political interference in law enforcement. The vision was to create a police system that serves the people without fear or favouritism. However, ground realities tell a different story. Incidents of custodial torture, arbitrary arrests, and police excesses have not entirely stopped. Many citizens and activists feel that despite new leadership, the deep-rooted culture within the police force remains unchanged. The promised reform in policing and assurance of dignity and safety to citizens has yet to materialize.
AAP claimed it would restore peace and ensure strict law and order in Punjab. Yet, rising cases of gang violence, drug trafficking, and political clashes have raised serious concerns. The high-profile killings and frequent reports of extortion and intimidation have dented the image of a secure Punjab. Critics argue that while the government boasts about a few arrests, the overall atmosphere of safety has not improved significantly. Effective policing and judicial follow-through remain weak links in the state’s law and order chain.
Education was one of AAP’s strongest planks, based on its record in Delhi. The promise was to upgrade government schools, improve infrastructure, and ensure high-quality teaching standards. The concept of “Schools of Eminence” was introduced, but implementation has been sluggish. Many schools still lack basic facilities, teachers continue to work under pressure, and educational outcomes haven’t seen measurable improvement. Parents and students who expected a revolution in public education are slowly losing hope as changes remain largely cosmetic.
At the heart of these unfulfilled promises lies Punjab’s dire financial condition. The state is reeling under a public debt of over ₹3 lakh crore, severely limiting its ability to spend on welfare, development, and infrastructure. With limited avenues for revenue generation and no clear roadmap for fiscal recovery, the government finds itself unable to fulfil its grand promises. Economists have warned that unless the state controls populist spending and boosts revenue, future governance and public welfare will continue to suffer.
The enthusiasm with which people voted AAP into power has given way to growing skepticism. Protests from farmers, unemployed youth, teachers, and health workers have become frequent. While the government often blames legacy issues and the Centre for its woes, voters are demanding accountability and action. The trust placed in AAP was unprecedented, but the lack of delivery is causing widespread frustration.
The Aam Aadmi Party entered Punjab politics promising transformational change. From jobs and education to women’s welfare and farmer support, the vision was ambitious. But more than two years into its tenure, the party appears to be struggling under the weight of its promises. Unless swift, concrete steps are taken to address these issues and restore public faith, AAP risks squandering the historic mandate it received—a mandate rooted in the hope for real change.
The initial optimism that accompanied AAP’s rise to power has given way to growing skepticism. Various sections of society, including farmers, youth, women, and educators, express dissatisfaction with the government’s performance. Protests and public confrontations have become more frequent, reflecting the erosion of trust in AAP’s ability to deliver on its commitments.
The initial optimism that accompanied AAP’s rise to power has given way to growing skepticism. Various sections of society, including farmers, youth, women, and educators, express dissatisfaction with the government’s performance. Protests and public confrontations have become more frequent, reflecting the erosion of trust in AAP’s ability to deliver on its commitments.
AAP’s tenure in Punjab has been marked by a disconnect between its pre-election promises and post-election performance. While some initiatives have been launched, many key commitments remain unfulfilled, largely due to financial constraints and administrative challenges. To restore public confidence, the government must prioritise the implementation of its promises, ensure transparency in governance, and address the pressing issues facing the state. Failure to do so risks further alienating the electorate and undermining the party’s credibility.