State lags behind due to non-implementation of Central schemes: Puri

While listing 11 years achievements of the NDA government at the Centre, Union Minister for Petroleum and Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri said on Thursday that Punjab was lagging behind while other states and country are progressing at a high pace due to Central Government policies, whereas Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab Government was not implementing people-centric schemes of the Centre.

Puri emphasised that while India has made significant strides in development, including advancements in the space sector, Punjab has not fully benefitted from central welfare programmes. He attributed it to the AAP government’s purported non-implementation of these initiatives, citing the Ayushman Bharat Healthcare programme as a regrettable example. “All Central schemes are available throughout the country,” Puri noted, “but if these aren’t implemented in states like Punjab, it’s a matter of deep regret.”

He also highlighted the Narendra Modi-led government’s achievements over the past 11 years, focusing on India’s substantial economic progress.

Earlier, Avinash Rai Khanna, former state president of the BJP came to the city to campaign for party candidate Jiwan Gupta. Khanna while addressing a press meet attacked the ruling AAP for not keeping its poll promises made in 2022 Assembly elections.

Khanna said crores of rupees of public money have been spent on advertisements. Women of Punjab were promised monthly financial aid of Rs1,000 by AAP, which was still unfulfilled.