JALANDHAR, India (Diya TV) — Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a sharp political attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab while unveiling rail and road projects worth more than Rs 5,470 crore (more than $500 million). He accused the state government of failing to control crime, drug abuse, and corruption. At the same time, he highlighted the Central government’s investment in railway infrastructure and public development.
Speaking at a public event in Jalandhar, Modi inaugurated 75 redeveloped railway stations across 20 states under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. He also flagged off new rail services and praised the government’s efforts to improve transport infrastructure across the country.
During his address, Modi began by recalling Punjab’s rich history. He described the state as the land of Maharaja Ranjit Singh and praised its contribution to the nation. However, he said Punjab now faces serious challenges. He claimed advertisements cannot hide the state’s current problems.
The prime minister criticized the law and order situation in Punjab. He said gang violence and extortion have become major concerns. He also claimed people live with uncertainty because violent incidents can happen at any time. In addition, he alleged that even police stations have faced attacks in recent years.
Modi also raised concerns about drug abuse in the state. He said narcotics continue to threaten Punjab’s younger generation. According to him, drug traffickers are harming the future of many families. Therefore, he urged stronger efforts to protect young people from addiction.
Furthermore, Modi accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of lacking honesty and accountability. He referred to the party as a “Kattar Beimaan” party and claimed it had failed to use Central government funds effectively. He said the Union government had provided Punjab with financial support worth lakhs of crores of rupees over the years. However, he alleged the state government failed to spend the money properly for public welfare.
He also claimed the Punjab government has increased borrowing while placing a financial burden on the state. According to Modi, rising debt has forced a large share of the state’s budget toward interest payments. Meanwhile, he alleged that those in power continue to misuse public resources.
In addition, Modi referred to recent legal cases involving AAP leaders. He mentioned a Gujarat court’s decision to sentence an AAP MLA to seven years in prison in a case related to assaulting government officials and extortion. He also cited other cases involving party leaders and lawmakers. Modi claimed these incidents reflected a wider pattern of corruption within the party.
The prime minister also criticized AAP over the recent conviction of party leader Tahir Hussain in a Delhi riots-related case. He accused party leaders of questioning the court’s judgment for political reasons. Modi said the party had failed to deliver on its earlier promises to transform Indian politics. Instead, he argued that its actions have disappointed voters.
Along with his political remarks, Modi focused on development projects during the visit. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for rail and road infrastructure projects valued at more than Rs 5,470 crore (more than $500 million). He also dedicated 75 redeveloped railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The stations were developed at a cost of about Rs 1,570 crore (nearly $60 million). The redevelopment program aims to modernize railway stations while preserving local culture and architectural heritage. Officials said the upgraded stations offer improved passenger facilities, better accessibility and modern amenities. The government has described the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme as one of the world’s largest railway station redevelopment programs.
Earlier in the day, Modi flagged off India’s first hydrogen-powered train from Jind in neighboring Haryana. Later, he launched the Kartoli-Punjab to Ambala rail service and the Jalandhar-Varanasi train from Jalandhar Cantonment station. He also attended a separate event in Chandigarh, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for several additional development projects before arriving in Punjab.
