Prime Minister Narendra Modi used his Jalandhar rally on Friday to launch one of his strongest attacks yet on AAP government in Punjab and while announcing development projects worth more than Rs 5,470 crore, he repeatedly raised the issues of corruption, money laundering, law and order and misuse of public funds.
Political observers believe the repeated references to corruption and money laundering could indicate that the BJP is preparing to sharpen its political and investigative campaign in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Speaking at the rally, Modi accused AAP of failing the people of Punjab and alleged that the state government had increased debt, failed to fulfil promises made to women and farmers, and allowed law and order to deteriorate.
He claimed that businesses in Punjab were suffering because of gang violence, extortion and attacks on police stations and according to him, investors and traders now find it difficult to operate in the state because of growing insecurity.
These remarks stood out because Modi repeatedly mentioned corruption and financial crimes rather than limiting his criticism to governance issues, since the Prime Minister repeatedly highlighted money laundering allegations, it is believed that the speech may be laying the political groundwork for tougher central action if agencies find evidence in ongoing or future investigations.
The Prime Minister further attacked the AAP over its poll promises, he said women were promised monthly financial assistance but had not received the money even after nearly four years of the government's tenure, he also accused the government of misleading farmers and youth.
Modi did not spare the opposition Congress either, he said the Congress was busy with internal leadership battles instead of focusing on public welfare. he also criticised the Shiromani Akali Dal, saying the party was occupied with its own political problems.
With these remarks, the Prime Minister attacked all three major political parties in Punjab and presented the BJP as the only alternative capable of bringing development to the state.
Alongside the political attack, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for rail and road infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 5,470 crore, he also inaugurated the redeveloped Jalandhar Cantt Railway Station under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme and flagged off the Amritsar to Varanasi train for devotees.
He also highlighted the redevelopment of 75 railway stations across India and said more than 1,300 stations are being modernised under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The Prime Minister said the Central government would continue investing in Punjab's infrastructure regardless of which party was in power in the state and urged people to support a BJP government in the future, saying a "double-engine government" would speed up development.