Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, led by Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema, State AAP President Aman Arora, and legislator Kuldeep Dhaliwal, have criticized Rajya Sabha member Raghav Chadha for neglecting crucial Punjab issues in Parliament. They pointed out that significant concerns such as Rs 8,500 crore Rural Development Fund dues, Rs 60,000 crore GST losses, and Rs 1,600 crore flood relief were ignored despite repeated reminders. The AAP leaders expressed disappointment, labeling Chadha’s silence as a betrayal of Punjab’s people and electoral trust, emphasizing the disconnect from grassroots realities.
Minister Cheema raised questions about Chadha’s parliamentary representation, stating that the elected member failed to advocate for Punjab’s interests effectively at the national level. Highlighting the failure to address farmers’ grievances and flood victims’ needs, Cheema criticized Chadha for not raising any sensitive Punjab-related issues in Parliament. The Finance Minister listed various financial challenges that were overlooked, including the pending Rural Development Fund amount, substantial GST losses, and additional financial burdens due to GST compensation changes, along with inadequate attention to National Health Mission funds.
Expressing frustration, Minister Cheema highlighted the discrepancy between Prime Minister Modi’s promised flood relief funds and the actual disbursement to Punjab, accusing Chadha of neglecting the state’s urgent requirements. The AAP leaders emphasized that despite sending Chadha to the Rajya Sabha with high hopes, his silence on critical issues reflects a compromise on Punjab’s welfare. Punjab AAP President Arora reminded Chadha of the party’s support in his political journey and criticized him for prioritizing unrelated matters over Punjab’s essential concerns.
