Chandigarh– Satnam Singh Chahal, Executive Director of the North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), strongly condemned the recent actions and statements made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Chief and Delhi former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal regarding special concessions and guarantees announced for migrant populations in Punjab. Chahal accused Kejriwal of attempting to dismantle Punjab’s rich economic, cultural, and historical heritage through his divisive and politically motivated policies.
In a strongly worded statement issued from California, Chahal said, “Mr. Kejriwal must be reminded that Punjab is not the ancestral property of his father. He has no constitutional or moral right to announce such guarantees that could significantly impact the demographic and cultural fabric of the state. His actions are aimed at vote bank politics and come at the cost of Punjab’s native population.”
Chahal criticized the AAP-led Punjab government and Kejriwal for unilaterally releasing a list of benefits and concessions for migrant workers and settlers without consulting with the people of Punjab or considering the long-term consequences. “The state of Punjab has always been known for its hospitality and inclusiveness,” Chahal added, “but this generosity should not be exploited to push the local population into a corner.”
The NAPA Executive Director warned that such moves could lead to increased tension and resentment among the native population, which has already suffered immensely due to decades of political instability, economic slowdown, and large-scale emigration. He further stated that the people of Punjab are deeply rooted in their culture and traditions and will not tolerate any attempts to dilute or sell their identity for political gain.
“Kejriwal is not welcome to use Punjab as a laboratory for his political experiments,” Chahal asserted. “His popularity among Punjabis is dwindling fast, and it is evident that the people have lost faith in his leadership. No government should impose policies that jeopardize the future of a state just to secure short-term electoral benefits.”
Chahal called on all political parties, civil society organizations, and concerned citizens to raise their voices against what he described as a dangerous path being charted by the AAP leadership. He urged the people of Punjab to remain united in protecting their land, legacy, and identity.