AAP Faces Heat in Punjab Over Unmet Promises

As the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab marks three years and three months in power, it stands at a critical juncture amid growing criticism largely due to unmet promises.

- NEERAJ MOHAN

While the government has made significant strides in a few sectors like health and education, the ambitious vision of transforming Punjab into a model state remains elusive. Challenges such as mounting debt, unfulfilled promises, and political pressures cast shadows as the 2027 elections loom.

The AAP manifesto, titled 'For A Modern, Corruption-Free and Prosperous Punjab', promised to provide 25 lakh jobs and fill 1.25 lakh government vacancies to ensure Punjab's youth get jobs and do not migrate abroad. The government claimed to have provided 26,074 government jobs, followed by an additional 44,786 jobs across various departments by September 2024. The February 2025 cabinet approved 60,000 more jobs. However, unemployment remains a challenge, with an overall 6% youth unemployment rate against the national average of 3.2% in 2024—Punjab ranks fourth highest in the country in unemployment.