CM pushing state deeper into debt trap: Khaira

Congress MLA from Bholath and Chairman of the All-India Kisan Congress Sukhpal Khaira today condemed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for pushing Punjab deeper into a debt trap. Recent reports reveal that the AAP government is planning to borrow an additional Rs 8,500 crore between July and September 2025, further inflating the state’s already staggering debt of Rs 3.82 lakh crore.

Khaira accused the AAP government of gross financial mismanagement, highlighting that the fresh borrowing translates to a staggering Rs 92 crore per day for the second quarter of the fiscal year. “While Mann diverts public attention with media campaigns and political theatrics, his government is quietly sinking Punjab into a debt trap,” Khaira stated. “In just three years, AAP has added over Rs 1 lakh crore to Punjab’s debt, taking the total to Rs 3.82 lakh crore by March 2024, with projections of reaching Rs 4 lakh crore by March 2026. This is a betrayal of every Punjabi.”

The Congress MLA referenced AAP’s 2022 election promises, where party leader Arvind Kejriwal claimed to eliminate budgetary losses by curbing corruption and illegal sand mining, projecting savings of Rs 64,000 crore. “Where are these promised funds?” Khaira questioned.

“Instead of generating revenue, AAP is borrowing Rs 2,000 crore in July, Rs 3,000 crore in August, and Rs 3,500 crore in September to cover its failures. Punjab’s debt-to-GSDP ratio is now the second highest in India, signalling a state on the brink of bankruptcy,” he said.

Khaira further criticized the government for halting development projects across key sectors like agriculture, public works, and education, alleging that funds are being redirected to service mounting debts. “The AAP government has no new infrastructure or schemes to show for this colossal borrowing.

Punjabis are being burdened with an average debt of Rs 1.33 lakh per person, with no tangible benefits,” he said, citing recent financial disclosures.

Calling for immediate accountability, Khaira demanded a central audit of Punjab’s finances and urged the AAP government to stop relying on loans to fund populist measures.

“The people of Punjab deserve transparency, not a future shackled by debt. The Mann government must reverse its erroneous policies and prioritise sustainable revenue generation,” he asserted.

Khaira vowed to continue raising these critical issues on behalf of Punjab’s farmers, youth, and common citizens. “As long as I am here, I will not let AAP’s financial recklessness go unchallenged. Punjab’s future is at stake, and we must act now to save it,” he concluded.