‘Punjab deserves rule of law, not the rule by propaganda…’: Punjab LoP Partap Singh Bajwa

The so-called factionalism in Punjab Congress is more of a manufactured narrative, driven by sections of the media and amplified by vested interests.

What we are witnessing is a deliberate attempt by the BJP, a party that survives by dividing people on the basis of religion, caste, language, and region. They have mastered the politics of polarisation across India, and now they are trying to inject that same poison into Punjab’s political environment.

AAP has become a willing partner in this deception. BJP and AAP are two sides of the same coin when it comes to exploiting people’s emotions for political gains.

Congress, on the other hand, stands united in its commitment to Punjab’s peace, prosperity, and Punjabiyat. We will expose these divisive forces, and I am confident that in 2027, the people will reject hate and confusion.

AAP has targeted Congress leadership for speaking in favour of Bikram Majithia in the recent Vigilance Bureau case. Every senior Congress leader had attacked Majithia in the past so how do you justify speaking in his favour?

Once again, a section of the media has chosen to amplify the false narrative crafted by AAP’s publicity machinery. No Congress leader has spoken in favour of Majithia or asked investigative agencies to shield anyone involved in the drug trade.

Our stand has been consistent: whoever is guilty, irrespective of their party, position, or background, must face the full force of the law. But at the same time, agencies must function within the framework of the law, not under political pressure or for media spectacle.

What I specifically condemned was the manner in which the house of a sitting woman MLA was raided and how she was subjected to humiliation. Is this the Punjab we want — a police state where due process is thrown out of the window to settle political scores? I raised objections when our party MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira was treated in similar manner by the investigative agencies.

Let’s also expose AAP’s hypocrisy. They registered the FIR under provisions related to disproportionate assets — not under NDPS Act. This is classic ‘shoot and scoot’ politics by AAP — make noise, defame people, and later quietly apologise, as their so-called ‘Supreme Leader’ has done many times before.

Punjab deserves rule of law, not rule by propaganda. And Congress will always stand for lawful, transparent governance — not for misuse of agencies to score political points.

After Ludhiana now there are two more bypolls to be held in Banga and Tarn Taran. What will be the Congress strategy following the adverse performance in Ludhiana West?

There was no adverse performance by Congress in Ludhiana West. What actually happened was a systematic misuse of police, administration, and state machinery by AAP to intimidate voters and suppress democratic participation.

The voter turnout speaks volumes. People were not convinced by AAP’s governance, and many chose to stay away from the polls due to fear of harassment and repercussions. When senior political leaders face false cases, raids, and character assassination, imagine the pressure faced by ordinary citizens.

Congress is not deterred. In the upcoming byelections in Banga and Tarn Taran, we will ensure that people are able to exercise their right to vote freely, without fear or manipulation.

I also want to remind everyone that AAP lost their own home turf, the Barnala Assembly seat, in the bypolls not long ago. That exposed their shrinking credibility even among their core supporters.

Our strategy will focus on strengthening the organisation at the grassroots, exposing AAP’s misgovernance, and ensuring every voter knows they have a voice — free from fear, free from pressure.

Given your recent concerns about rising crime and gang-related activities in Punjab, what steps do you think are necessary to strengthen law enforcement and ensure public safety?

Punjab today is witnessing complete collapse of law and order. Gangsters are not hiding anymore — they are running extortion rackets, threatening people openly. Lawrence Bishnoi gave an interview from a CIA facility with the clear connivance of police authorities. What bigger proof of administrative failure do you need? When criminals can access mobile phones, internet, and video calls from inside high-security prisons, it doesn’t happen without the involvement — or at least the complicity — of the police system.

We’ve already paid a heavy price — the brutal murder of Sidhu Moosewala exposed the government’s incompetence. His security was reduced and publicly advertised, just to feed AAP’s political narrative. That reckless decision cost a life and shattered the illusion of safety in Punjab.

Let’s not forget — the police force reflects the leadership at the top. And today, that leadership is missing. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who also holds the Home portfolio, is busy in social media photo-ops while gangsters expand their control over the state.

We need serious reforms — depoliticized policing, modern intelligence systems, strict jail accountability, and dismantling of criminal networks — not hollow slogans. Punjab deserves safety, not a government addicted to headlines.

Punjab is grappling with a high debt burden. What are your suggestions for improving the state’s fiscal health without burdening the common man? How can the state balance welfare schemes with the need for financial discipline?

Punjab, once the economic engine of India and the symbol of the Green Revolution, now finds itself struggling under a crippling debt burden. With debt levels projected to reach Rs 4 lakh crore by March 2026, the situation is alarming — and if we don’t course-correct now, it’s the people of Punjab who will ultimately bear the consequences.

The hard facts are sobering. Punjab’s share in country’s GDP has steadily declined — from over 4% in the 1980s to barely 2.5% today. Our per capita income, once among the highest, has now been overtaken by states like Haryana, Gujarat, and Karnataka. Agriculture, which was once the backbone of our economy, is under severe stress. Landholdings have shrunk below 3 acres per family, and rising input costs have made farming increasingly unsustainable for the average farmer.

The challenge is not just economic — it’s ecological too. Punjab is facing an unprecedented crisis. Our groundwater levels are depleting at an alarming rate.

The harsh truth is, Punjab can no longer depend solely on traditional agriculture, especially with degrading natural resources and environmental stress. We must reinvent Punjab’s economy with urgency, clarity, and vision.

The way forward requires bold steps. Punjab has immense potential to become a hub for food processing, agro-technology, and precision manufacturing — particularly in producing agricultural implements for farmers across the world. With proper infrastructure, our youth can also drive growth in IT, startups, and green technology, just like their peers from Punjab have done abroad. We must diversify our economic base, protect our environment, and embrace modern, sustainable industries.

At the same time, the Union Government must play its part. Punjab deserves special packages, tax holidays, and targeted investment incentives, given its strategic location and the sacrifices Punjabis have made for India’s national security.

Let me remind everyone — Punjabis have demonstrated their capabilities across the globe. Whether in Silicon Valley, Canada, the UK, or Australia — wherever they are given the right environment, Punjabis create wonders.

This is not a question of potential — it is a question of leadership with the vision to unlock that potential. As the former Prime Minister of Singapore, Lee Kuan Yew, rightly said, “You cannot distribute the cake unless you have one — and preferably, a big one.” Sadly, Punjab’s economic cake has been shrinking rapidly, while our aspirations continue to grow.

Welfare schemes are necessary, but they must be balanced with economic revival and financial discipline. Punjab needs responsible, forward-looking governance — one that protects the vulnerable while building a sustainable, prosperous future for all.

You have criticised the ongoing ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ campaign. How can the opposition work with the government to ensure a non-partisan approach to eradicating the drug menace?

Ideally, the fight against drugs should be above party politics. Unfortunately, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has turned what should have been a cooperative relationship between the ruling party and the opposition — based on accountability and constructive dialogue — into hostility and theatrics.

As the Leader of the Opposition, I have always maintained that I stand ready to support any sincere, results-driven effort to rid Punjab of the drug menace. But sadly, what we see today under the so-called ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’ is little more than a publicity campaign, driven by headlines and social media, rather than grounded, long-term solutions.

Drug addiction in Punjab is not just a law and order problem. It is a deep-rooted, complex issue with social, economic, and psychological dimensions. Unemployment, lack of opportunities, rural distress, and organised criminal networks have all contributed to this crisis.

If we are serious about tackling this menace, we need a comprehensive, evidence-based approach. This includes bringing together health experts, sociologists, law enforcement, educators, and community leaders to develop long-term strategies. We need well-resourced rehabilitation centres, proper aftercare, and policies that create jobs, ensuring our youth have a future away from drugs.

At the same time, there must be targeted action to break the supply chains and strict accountability within the police and administrative machinery to eliminate corruption and political interference.

The fight against drugs is not won on social media; it is won in villages, schools, homes, and streets — through sincerity, expertise, and sustained political will. If the government is serious, the opposition is ready to cooperate. But Punjab’s future and public health should never be sacrificed for temporary political gains.