Chandigarh, April 7 (IANS) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia on Tuesday raised concerns over what he described as a growing debt crisis in Punjab, alleging that the Aam Aadmi Party government has further burdened the state’s finances by taking an additional loan of Rs 1,500 crore.

Questioning the financial priorities of the government, Majithia claimed that the fresh borrowing has been undertaken at a time when the state is already under significant debt. He said instead of focusing on fiscal discipline or reducing liabilities, the government “continues to rely on loans, thereby pushing Punjab deeper into financial stress”.

Majithia said the Rs 1,500-crore loan is being used for what he termed as “joyrides in planes” for Delhi-based AAP leadership, particularly party convener Arvind Kejriwal, along with spending on government advertisements.

He criticised the expenditure, saying public money should not be spent on publicity or such “joyrides” and “luxuries” while key sectors continue to struggle.

Emphasising the plight of farmers, the Akali leader said the government should instead utilise these funds to provide compensation to those affected by crop losses and natural calamities.

He argued that immediate financial relief is the need of the hour, especially for farmers who are already under economic pressure.

Referring to a recent political statement made by Kejriwal in Gujarat, Akali leader Majithia said claims were made that Punjab farmers had been compensated Rs 50,000 per acre for flood-related losses. He asserted that “if such an announcement has been made publicly, then the Punjab government must fulfil this commitment and ensure that farmers receive Rs 50,000 per acre without delay”.

He also pointed out that the promise of adequate compensation made during the floods remains unfulfilled, and accused the government of failing to deliver on its assurances.

According to him, such claims made outside the state do not reflect the ground reality in Punjab.

Majithia further criticised the AAP, stating that the party had come to power with a promise to reduce Punjab’s debt and not to impose any additional financial burden on the state.

However, he said in the past four years, the government has done the opposite by continuously taking loans. Akali leader claimed that this approach has not only increased the debt but has also weakened Punjab’s economic position.

–IANS

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