Vikas Kranti rally: Arvind Kejriwal follows Mamata Banerjee, alleges Centre of fund withholding
Arvind Kejriwal asserted that both the Akali and Congress administrations were not prioritizing the well-being and progress of Punjab
New Delhi, December 17: Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), asserted on Sunday that the Central government is deliberately withholding funds allocated to Punjab, hindering the developmental initiatives undertaken by his party in the state. During the Vikas Kranti rally in Punjab, Kejriwal accused both the Akali and Congress governments of working against the welfare of the state.
According to Kejriwal, his political adversaries, in a concerted effort, urged the Central government to impede the progress of the AAP-led government in Punjab. He claimed that rival parties approached the Centre, requesting intervention to halt AAP's initiatives, fearing the potential repercussions on their political standing.
"All the parties are upset, and they have turned against us. They came together and approached the Centre, asking it to do something to stop our work. (They told the Centre) do not allow them (AAP) to work. If they (AAP) do so much work, then we (rival parties) will be doomed," stated Kejriwal during the rally.
He alleged that the Centre, succumbing to the pressure from opposing parties, deliberately halted Punjab's funds earmarked for health initiatives. Kejriwal criticized the move, emphasizing that it adversely impacts the welfare programs and projects planned for the state.
Kejriwal's accusations mirror the recent claims made by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, who has been in an ongoing dispute with the Centre, alleging a freeze on funds for the state's social welfare schemes, specifically MNREGA.
Furthermore, Kejriwal expressed discontent over the Centre withholding ₹5,500 crore designated for rural development, particularly for the construction of roads in mandis. This move, according to Kejriwal, impedes crucial infrastructure projects aimed at enhancing rural connectivity and development.
The tension between the Aam Aadmi Party and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been palpable in both Delhi and Punjab, with various contentious issues causing friction between the two political entities. Kejriwal, known for his vocal criticism of the Centre's interference in Delhi's governance, continues to assert his party's position as a formidable political rival leading up to the 2024 general elections.