Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Badal and Captain Amarinder Singh families, alleging that the liquor, transport, land and mining mafia in the state were the direct outcome of their governments. Speaking at a press conference in Chandigarh, Cheema also criticised the Shiromani Akali Dal, Congress and BJP.
Responding to Captain Amarinder Singh’s suggestion that the SAD-BJP alliance should reunite, Cheema said such politics will no longer work in Punjab. He claimed that for decades, both families held political control and pursued self-interest, causing heavy losses to Punjabis. He also alleged that incidents of sacrilege occurred during their regimes.
Cheema said the AAP government has brought transparency in government jobs and is focused on Punjab’s progress. Punjabis, he asserted, now understand the “reality” of both families and will not support them for the next 20–25 years.
Targeting separatist elements, Cheema said some groups dislike Punjab’s growth and had even encouraged gangster culture earlier. He warned that the AAP government will not spare anyone trying to disturb the state’s peace.
