Former Chief Minister of Delhi Arvind Kejriwal is on an official tour to Ludhiana, Punjab, where he is accompanied by Chief Minister of Punjab Bhagwant Mann. Today, on March 17, both political leaders met the Business Community of Ludhiana at Hotel Radisson. During the meet-up, the leaders assured us that they would provide effective solutions to the problems of the industrialists.
What did Kejriwal say about the previous government?
Kejriwal targeted the previous Punjab government, during the meeting, and outlined that the AAP government has been constantly working to clean-up the mess created by the past governments. While talking about the same, he mentioned, “In three years, we haven’t created any disorder; instead, we’ve been clearing the garbage left behind by the old governments. The work they couldn’t do, we have accomplished.”
OTS Policy for AAP government
Along with this, the former Chief Minister of Delhi launched the One-Time Settlement (OTS) policy and also highlighted the positive aspects, which assist business owners in getting rid of prolonged legal battles.
He also assured us that other key issues of Punjab’s businessmen will be addressed by the government shortly.
He also highlighted that the government of Punjab has been dedicatedly working for the betterment and growth of the industrialists. Kejriwal mentioned that leaders are in touch “despite no elections.”
He was quoted saying, “This is the third round of meetings in three years. The first one was in 2022 when we took note of business concerns. In 2023, we met again despite no elections. The OTS policy was a longstanding demand for 32 years, and while previous governments failed to implement it, our government got it approved within three years.”
Furthermore, he took a moment to blame previous governments for exploiting entrepreneurs and ruining Punjab’s status as a leading industrial hub. “Ludhiana was a hosiery center, Jalandhar was known for sports manufacturing, but for 75 years, political mafias have strangled Punjab’s progress. Drug addiction is a serious issue, and if we don’t stop it, our industries will collapse,” he warned.
Punjab’s safety and war against drugs
During this meeting, Kejriwal also highlighted a few other topics, such as drugs and terrorist interference due to the nearby border.
While sharing his experience at a drug rehabilitation center, he mentioned that he was sad to see the young generation of Punjab spending thousands on drugs and narcotics. “Today, no AAP minister or MLA is involved in the drug trade. That’s why we are fearlessly fighting against it. Drug traffickers’ houses are being bulldozed, and no one will be spared,” he declared.
In addition to this, he mentioned that Pakistan will not tolerate any inappropriate action. The drones, carrying drugs, entering Punjab will be shot immediately and urgent action will be taken.
Further highlighting the government’s commitment against the crimes, he mentioned that the AAP authorities are actively fighting against the crimes, and Kejriwal also asked the residents to reach out to the Punjab Police as soon as they receive any extortion threats. Former Delhi CM outlined that the police will surely provide full protection.
“In Delhi, we faced similar issues, but we tackled them. In Punjab, response time for police emergency calls is being reduced from 30 minutes to 8 minutes,” he mentioned while citing Delhi’s example.
New Industrial Policy -
During the meeting, Kejriwal also highlighted that the government is working to frame new policies for industrialists, which will offer rapid approvals for projects within 45 days. He outlined that one such policy is drafted and will be finalized soon. “We won’t copy-paste old policies; instead, industrialists will draft it, and we will approve it,” he said.
Furthermore, he claimed that the government would continue to work on infrastructural developments. “There are 12,000 villages, 153 small towns, and 113 major cities in Punjab. Road repairs across all these areas will be completed within the next 18 months,” he promised.
AAP party works for a mission: CM Mann
During the meeting, Chief Minister of Punjab Bhagwant Mann also assured us that his government would never fail to protect the rights of the people as it would not work for bribes and commissions. “Our journey began with Arvind Kejriwal registering with AAP at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan with a bundle of papers. Today, our mission is to serve the nation,” he said. “Listening to industrialists is our duty, and we will continue to address their problems,” he added.
Further, he announced that the AAP government is anticipating another victory in the 2027 elections.
In addition to this, he also highlighted that AAP is a party for common people, which works for the common population and is also managed by common individuals.
What industries were expressed during the meeting?
Various concerns were shared by industrialists during the meeting, who asked the government to simplify licensing renewals, improve power infrastructure, and establish an exhibition center in the city. They also called for strengthening Punjab’s research and development sector.
The implementation of the OTS policy was widely appreciated. Business leaders emphasized the need for a pharmaceutical industry in Punjab and demanded enhanced support for MSMEs to compete globally. “China produces 30 crore bicycles annually, while Ludhiana only makes 2 crore. We need technological advancements to compete,” an industrialist noted.