CHANDIGARH, APRIL 25 — Punjab Finance Minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Harpal Singh Cheema stated Friday that the Bharatiya Janata Party has initiated an undemocratic campaign against Punjab, describing it as an overt attack on the Constitution authored by Babasaheb Ambedkar. The Minister asserted that the citizens of Punjab, who possess a long history of sacrifice for national freedom, will provide a resolute response to what he termed a betrayal of democratic values.
In a formal statement, Cheema maintained that the BJP is attempting to strip away the constitutional right to vote and dismantle the democratic framework Punjabis helped build. He affirmed that the state’s three crore residents are prepared to oppose the ruling party, noting its past actions regarding the farmers’ protest and the withholding of Punjab’s financial dues. The Minister declared that the BJP remains responsible for the hardships faced by the state’s agricultural community and the misappropriation of its water resources.
The Finance Minister specifically addressed the defection of seven AAP Members of Parliament, asserting that those sent to the Rajya Sabha to champion Punjab’s interests have now compromised their principles under the influence of Home Minister Amit Shah. Cheema stated that these individuals, motivated by the pursuit of power, have effectively stabbed the electorate in the back. He affirmed that the history of Punjab shows no leniency toward those who abandon their duties for personal gain.
Cheema further noted that the BJP’s tactics are a reaction to the legislative progress made by the Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government. He stated that the central party began targeting AAP members following the introduction of the ‘Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026,’ suggesting a lack of respect for local religious sentiments. Despite these challenges, Cheema declared that the AAP remains guided by the ideologies of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh, maintaining that the party will not be intimidated by federal investigative agencies.
