Senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Wednesday strongly condemned the recent blasts in the Khasa area of Amritsar and at Border Security Force (BSF) Chowk in Jalandhar, describing them as a deliberate attempt to spread terror and disturb Punjab’s hard-earned peace and communal harmony.
Addressing a press conference at Punjab Bhawan, Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema asserted that the BJP is attempting to create an atmosphere of fear and division in Punjab for political gains ahead of elections. “Wherever state assembly elections approach, whether it is West Bengal, Kerala, Tamil Nadu or Uttar Pradesh, the BJP follows the same strategy of sowing hatred and division among people. Instead of focusing on the economy or the condition of the poor, the BJP tries to polarise voters on the basis of caste and religion.”
He affirmed, “By inciting violence and playing with the blood of innocent people, they (BJP) seek power at any cost. The AAP strongly condemns such politics.”
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Referring to the recent meeting led by CM Bhagwant Singh Mann with the President of India, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The AAP leadership raised the concerns and voice of three crore Punjabis before the highest constitutional authority of the country. Soon after that, statements and rhetoric from BJP leaders made it evident that Punjab had become their next political target. The recent blasts are a direct reflection of this dangerous and destructive agenda.”
Reaffirming Punjab’s unity and resilience, the Minister stated, “Punjab is the sacred land of Gurus, Pirs and brave warriors. I want to remind those trying to divide Punjab that the seeds of hatred have never succeeded in this land and never will. Punjabis have always stood united and defeated divisive forces.”
Paying tribute to the immense sacrifices made by Punjabis for the nation, Minister Advocate Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Punjabis have made unparalleled contributions in safeguarding the country, from the freedom struggle to the wars of 1962, 1965 and 1971. The spirit of sacrifice runs in the veins of Punjab’s youth. Even during recent border tensions, young children from Punjab came forward to provide milk and food to soldiers deployed at the border.”
Drawing a contrast between the politics of the AAP and the BJP, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “Under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, the AAP is committed to politics based on work and development. Our government is focused on world-class education, better healthcare infrastructure, strong public services and maintaining strict law and order. On the other hand, the BJP depends on religion, caste politics and poaching elected representatives to destabilise democracy.”
In his concluding remarks, Minister Harpal Singh Cheema assured the people that Punjab stands firmly united against every attempt to disturb peace and harmony. He said, “The Punjab Government is fully committed to protecting the sovereignty, unity and integrity of India. Strict action will be taken against anti-social elements and those backing them politically. The Bhagwant Mann government will not allow anyone to terrorise Punjab or weaken its social fabric.”
