BJP Accuses AAP of Misusing State Machinery in Punjab Municipal Elections, Calls for Transparent Democratic Process

Patiala/Chandigarh, December 11, 2024: Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu has strongly criticized Punjab government officers for alleged interference in municipal elections under political pressure from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Addressing a press conference in Patiala, Bittu alleged that bureaucrats, including IAS and IPS officers, are delaying No Objection Certificates (NOCs) for BJP candidates, compromising the democratic process.

“Officers must remember their cadres belong to the central government. If evidence of misconduct is found, FIRs will be filed through the Election Commission,” warned Bittu. He cautioned officers against acting under AAP’s influence, emphasizing that neither Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann nor AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal would support them during repercussions.

Bittu appealed to Patiala voters to elect a BJP mayor to ensure better governance and faster development, aligning with BJP-led states like Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. He assured voters that a BJP-led municipal corporation would have direct access to central leadership for implementing large-scale development projects in Patiala.

Highlighting the ongoing farmers’ protest, Bittu reiterated the central government’s willingness to engage in constructive dialogue. He expressed concern over the health of farmer leader Dallewal and appealed to protestors to come forward for discussions. “Dialogue is the only way forward. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has always prioritized the interests of Punjab’s farmers, with significant hikes in Minimum Support Price (MSP) as evidence,” he said.

Senior BJP leader Preneet Kaur supported Bittu’s claims by showcasing videos of BJP candidates being allegedly threatened and harassed by Punjab Police on AAP’s instructions. “This is a blatant violation of democratic principles. Officers involved in such actions will face FIRs and legal consequences. We have instructed our workers to document and report such incidents to the Election Commission and central government,” Kaur stated.

Kaur further emphasized that BJP workers would not tolerate the intimidation tactics allegedly deployed by AAP. She urged voters to elect BJP candidates to counter the misgovernance of the Punjab government.

Bittu also criticized AAP’s governance, accusing the party of failing to deliver on promises like providing Rs 1,000 per month to women. “AAP has been in power for three years and achieved nothing. They’re broke, incapable of fulfilling promises, and ignoring their grassroots volunteers,” he remarked.

Bittu targeted the Congress Party, claiming they have lost relevance at both state and central levels. “Congress is finished everywhere. Voting for their candidates serves no purpose,” he said, urging voters to prioritize development by choosing BJP.

He highlighted the success of “double-engine governments” in states like Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Maharashtra, which he claimed are witnessing significant progress under BJP leadership. Bittu urged Punjab to follow suit by electing BJP candidates for municipal positions.

Accompanied by senior BJP leaders including Ashwani Sharma, Jai Inder Kaur, Karanveer Tohra, and Bikramjeet Cheema, Bittu later submitted nomination papers for BJP candidates at the Deputy Commissioner’s office in Patiala.

In a concluding statement, Bittu assured voters that BJP would work tirelessly for Patiala’s development and urged them to reject AAP’s alleged dictatorship and mismanagement through their votes.

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