Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal expressed disappointment with the Gujarat Budget for 2026-27, accusing it of lacking provisions for the common people and being designed for exploitation. Kejriwal, accompanied by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in Ahmedabad, highlighted the absence of allocations for education, health, infrastructure, farmers, small businesses, women, and the unemployed in the budget. He criticized the deteriorating state of roads, schools, and hospitals in Gujarat despite the BJP’s three-decade rule.
Kejriwal raised concerns about the treatment of farmers who voice their grievances, emphasizing that dissenting farmers are unfairly imprisoned. He also warned about potential disruptions in trade and agriculture due to the India-United States trade agreement, which could impact cotton exports. Questioning the BJP government’s performance in Gujarat compared to AAP’s achievements in Punjab, Kejriwal pointed out disparities and highlighted the growing support for alternative political figures in the state.
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann focused on taxation issues and social welfare programs, criticizing the allocation of tax revenues to benefit the privileged few rather than the general population. Mann praised the developmental initiatives undertaken in Delhi under Kejriwal’s leadership, such as the provision of free electricity and improvements in education and healthcare. In Punjab, Mann highlighted the significant benefits provided to households, including free electricity, medical coverage up to Rs 10 lakh per family, and support for farmers.
The joint press conference by Kejriwal and Mann in Gujarat aimed to engage with party members and the public, underscoring their commitment to grassroots outreach and political mobilization in the state.
