Hoshiarpur, May 20 (PTI) BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh on Wednesday slammed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his “traitor” remarks against Prime Minister Narendra Modi, terming them “unfortunate” and an “insult to the mandate of 1.4 billion Indians”.
Addressing mediapersons in Hoshiarpur, Chugh alleged that Gandhi’s use of words reflected a disregard for the democratic mandate, and the country would give a “befitting reply” to such remarks in elections.
He said Gandhi had made objectionable statements against the prime minister earlier, too, but apologised in the courts later.
Gandhi “frequently speaks the language of China and Pakistan” and raises questions over the armed forces and national security issues, including surgical strikes, Chugh said, adding that such statements undermine national interests and asserting that Modi has enhanced India’s global stature and respect.
The BJP leader also targeted the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, alleging that democracy in the state was being replaced with “coercive tactics” ahead of the municipal elections.
Nomination papers of several BJP candidates were rejected in places such as Batala and Majitha, he said, claiming that in one instance in Majitha, officials allegedly withdrew a candidate’s nomination without his consent by submitting a “fake application”.
He said that such incidents pointed to an “erosion of democratic norms”.
Raising farmers’ issues, Chugh said the AAP government had failed to bring any significant agricultural scheme so far, and had not fulfilled its promise of extending the minimum support price to crops beyond wheat and paddy.
He also alleged that farm loan waiver commitments were not met.
Chugh said that if voted to power, the BJP would implement a Haryana-like model of MSP in Punjab, extending it to more crops.
He further alleged that the state government had failed to deliver on its claims of “health and education revolution”. No new medical colleges or nursing institutions had been effectively operationalised by the state government, he said, claiming that projects announced earlier had not progressed.
Chugh also questioned the implementation of the state’s health insurance scheme, alleging that claims of higher coverage were misleading. He challenged the government to present beneficiaries who have received large payouts.
Highlighting the Central government’s initiatives, the BJP leader stated that institutions such as AIIMS and other healthcare facilities have been set up in Punjab with central support.
He alleged that Punjab’s debt has risen significantly without corresponding development projects or industrial growth. No major infrastructure projects have been initiated by the state government.
Referring to the recent Enforcement Directorate action against Punjab minister Sanjeev Arora, Chugh said the agency had traced a Rs 100 crore money trail and asked whether action against alleged corruption should be opposed.
He pointed out that several leaders associated with the anti-corruption movement that preceded the formation of AAP had distanced themselves from the party over the years, alleging dissatisfaction with its functioning.
Earlier in the day, Chugh addressed a gathering at the residence of BJP MLA Jangi Lal Mahajan in Mukerian as part of the party’s campaign for municipal elections. He appealed to voters to elect BJP candidates with “massive margins”, claiming growing public support for the party.
He alleged that there was widespread anger among people against the AAP government over issues such as alleged corruption, law and order concerns, and unfulfilled promises, and the AAP leaders were facing resistance from people in villages.
Chugh said the municipal elections were only a “trailer” and the “final verdict” would come in the 2027 assembly elections.
He asserted that the BJP would contest all 117 seats in Punjab and expressed confidence that the party would form the government.
“The people of Punjab are ready for change and a new chapter of governance, security and development,” he said. PTI COR CHS RUK RUK
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