Shiromani Akali Dal strongly condemned the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government’s move to clandestinely recruit 22 officials in the Punjab Development Commission (PDC) to run 10 key departments and said that AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal was trying to run Punjab like the East India company.

In a statement, SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal said not only was the AAP high command taking over the entire governance by the formation of this illegal and unconstitutional Punjab Development Commission (PDC) but was also plundering Punjab’s treasury by hiring outsiders at salaries ranging from Rs 3.30 lakh per month for advisors and Rs 2.65 lakh per month for digital/communication officers.

He disclosed that these departments include Agriculture, Jobs & Economy, Education and Skilling, Health and Social Welfare, Power, Infrastructure, Culture and Tourism, State Finances, Governance and Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning.

He said that, shockingly, the notification omitted any requirement for Punjabi proficiency or preference for Punjabis, clearing the path for recruitment of AAP cronies. He said this was the same pattern of Delhi-based appointments of Punjab CM’s advisors and chairpersons of corporations/boards, all loyal to AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal and his loyalist Manish Sisodia.

Mr Badal said Puppet CM Bhagwant Mann who had already been stripped of all authority with key powers being transferred to the Chief Secretary, had completely surrendered Punjab to looters.

“It is high time for Bhagwant Mann to step down or get ready to face strong protests, as in the name of “Rangla Punjab”, he is turning the State into Kangla Punjab”.

He said Punjabis were watching every move by Delhi-based people who were acting as officials of the East India company and would give them a befitting reply in the 2027 elections.

– Ends