The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which rose to power in Punjab on the promise of change, transparency, and empowerment of local talent, is now facing severe criticism for appointing individuals from outside Punjab to key administrative positions. These appointments have not only raised questions about the sincerity of AAP’s pre-election promises but also ignited a sense of betrayal among Punjabis who feel sidelined in their own state. One of the most glaring examples is the appointment of Shaleen Mitra, a native of Muzaffarnagar, Uttar Pradesh, and the personal assistant of Delhi AAP leader Satinder Jain.
He has been made the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh. This has sparked public outrage, with many asking if Punjab lacks capable youth who could serve such roles with dedication and understanding of local needs. Why was a youth from Uttar Pradesh preferred over countless qualified Punjabi youngsters? Similarly, Reena Gupta, a prominent face of AAP from Delhi, was appointed Chairperson of the Punjab Pollution Control Board—a role that deeply impacts environmental policies in the state.
Instead of choosing an environmental expert or a respected academic from Punjab, the post was handed to someone who has no roots in the state, further widening the trust deficit. Adding to the resentment is the appointment of Deepak Chauhan, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, as Chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board. Such critical positions, which influence the future of Punjab’s industrial growth, are being handed to individuals from other states.
This not only undermines the competence of Punjabis but also questions the very motive behind these decisions. People are now mockingly asking—if this trend continues, when will Punjab’s Chief Minister be appointed from another state too? The AAP government, which once sought votes in the name of giving Punjab a fresh start, is now accused of turning the state into a satellite administrative zone controlled by Delhi. The slogans of “badlav” (change) and “nawan Punjab” (new Punjab) are starting to ring hollow as the people witness outsiders being favored over locals. This blatant disregard for local representation is not just a policy misstep—it is an emotional wound to the people of Punjab, who feel deceived and excluded. The message from the public is clear: Punjabis will not forget or forgive this betrayal. The time has come for the ruling party to introspect and course-correct before the resentment turns into a political storm.