“If you have truly joined for the sake of Punjab, ensure the release of this Rs 60,000 crore so it can be used for the state’s welfare,” Khayal stated.
The Punjab Congress has launched a scathing attack on senior advocate and former AAP Leader H.S. Phoolka following his decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
During a press conference today, Punjab Congress Chief Spokesperson Arshpreet Khayal raised questions regarding Phoolka’s past stance on the BJP and highlighted several grievances regarding the current state of governance in Punjab.
Khayal presented a past social media post by Phoolka in which the advocate had allegedly accused the Modi government of managing “clean chits” for certain leaders and being a “beneficiary of drug money.”
“Phoolka Sahab, on one hand, you claimed the BJP benefits from drug money, and today you have joined them,” Khayal remarked. He further challenged the BJP to clarify whether, by inducting Phoolka, they were indirectly accepting the serious allegations he had previously leveled against the party leadership.
Challenge to Release Punjab’s Funds
The Congress spokesperson urged Phoolka to use his new position to benefit the state rather than just the party. He demanded that Phoolka facilitate the release of approximately Rs 60,000 Crore in pending central funds, including Rural Development Funds (RDF), GST arrears, and National Health Mission (NHM) grants, which the Congress alleges have been withheld by the Centre.
“If you have truly joined for the sake of Punjab, ensure the release of this Rs 60,000 crore so it can be used for the state’s welfare,” Khayal stated.
Attack on the AAP Government & CM Mann
The press conference also pivoted to the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Khayal demanded an unconditional apology from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for what he termed “unparliamentary” and “demeaning” remarks made against farmers (Anndata).
The Congress further criticized the state’s handling of the grain procurement season, citing massive mismanagement, lack of storage space, and shortages of essential supplies like diesel and LPG.
Addressing the suicide case of Gagan Deep Randhawa, Khayal called for a high-level investigation monitored by a sitting High Court judge. He questioned why the father of former minister Laljit Singh Bhullar had not yet been arrested in connection with the case.
“The family deserves justice, and the current investigation under the state police is a conflict of interest because the accused are part of the ruling government,” Khayal argued.
Comparing the BJP’s prospects in Punjab to the “Titanic,” Khayal claimed that every prominent leader who has switched to the BJP recently including Captain Amarinder Singh, Sunil Jakhar, and Manpreet Badal has faced political setbacks or electoral losses. He asserted that the “shop of hatred” would never find a market in Punjab.
