Sukhbir Singh Badal Criticizes AAP Government Over Exam Paper Leaks in Punjab
Badal's Accusations Against AAP Government
On August 6 in Patiala, Sukhbir Singh Badal, the president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), accused the Punjab government led by the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of betraying the youth of Punjab through repeated exam paper leaks. Speaking at a protest organized by the Students Organization of India (SOI) against the alleged leaks, Badal promised that if his party comes to power, they would ensure job reservations for locals.
He cited examples from the United States and China, stating that nations investing in their youth and ensuring their safety emerge as global leaders.
Badal claimed that the youth of Punjab are being neglected, forcing them to take to the streets in protest. He criticized the state government for its complete indifference towards education and employment, noting that students spend heavily on coaching and exam preparations, only to have recruitment exams compromised by leaks.
Promises for Future Governance
He alleged that under the AAP government, nearly ten exam papers have been leaked, and he condemned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's silence on the issue. During the protest, Badal made several electoral promises, stating that if the SAD forms the next government, they would enact a law mandating 100% job reservations in government positions for local residents.
Additionally, he announced that 70% of jobs in private industries would be reserved for the youth of Punjab. Badal also pledged to establish medical and veterinary colleges in every district and to launch extensive vocational education programs aimed at making youth self-reliant.
Attacking the ruling government, Badal, a former home minister, claimed that the AAP's assertions of bringing an educational revolution to Punjab are misleading and that the law and order situation in the state has deteriorated.
Critique of AAP's Educational Claims
He stated, "They claim to have brought an 'educational revolution' to Punjab, but in reality, it has proven to be a complete failure." Badal pointed out that AAP leaders have admitted in the assembly that out of 1,945 senior secondary schools in the state, 1,200 lack regular principals, and 3,200 of the 5,600 sanctioned posts in government colleges remain vacant.
He remarked, "Everyone wants to govern Punjab. These are all parties from Delhi. Today, it is not Bhagwant Mann who governs Punjab, but Arvind Kejriwal."
Badal emphasized, "We are here to expose Kejriwal. He performs theatrics in Delhi under the guise of supporting students, yet when questioned about the leaks of over ten exam papers in Punjab, he denied any wrongdoing. I possess a complete list of exam scams linked to the AAP."
Ongoing Opposition to AAP Government
He accused the AAP of being so shameless that they disregard the fact that their actions have jeopardized the futures of over one million youth in Punjab. The opposition has been persistently targeting the AAP government regarding the issue of exam paper leaks, especially following the recent exposure of a cheating ring in the pharmacy officer recruitment exam. However, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann maintains that there has not been a single incident of paper leaks during his government’s tenure of over four years.
Reflecting on Punjab's development, Badal noted that the Shiromani Akali Dal governed the state for nearly 22 years and claimed that government statistics indicate the highest development occurred during the SAD-led administrations.
He urged the youth to differentiate between parties committed to Punjab's interests and those influenced by external leadership. Badal described the Shiromani Akali Dal as a party dedicated to the welfare of Punjab and called on the youth to support it, emphasizing that the SAD is a 105-year-old party.