Chandigarh, August 23: The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab is preparing to embezzle ₹341 crores from the state treasury under the pretext of paying commissions on a ₹25,000 crore loan taken for election purposes.
Akali leader N.K. Sharma called for an independent investigation into the matter, asserting that since the loan is backed by a government guarantee, there is no need for a commission of ₹341 crores.
Speaking to the media, Sharma described the situation as rife with corruption and bribery, demanding a thorough inquiry. He criticized the state government for failing to devise any capital investment plans despite acquiring such a large loan.
Sharma further stated that the AAP government is forcing Punjab State Power Corporation Limited (PSPCL) and Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) to take on heavy loans at a high-interest rate of 8.65%, pushing them towards bankruptcy.
He warned that the ₹10,000 crore loan taken by PSPCL will not only increase electricity rates but also deter new industrial investments in the state. Currently, industries are charged ₹9 per unit, which is expected to rise to ₹13 per unit, as PSPCL will need to pay ₹17,300 crores in interest over 20 years.
Additionally, Sharma noted that GMADA will also face significant losses due to a ₹15,000 crore loan burden, jeopardizing employee salaries.
He released figures indicating that the AAP government has misled Punjabis by falsely claiming to provide 65,000 new government jobs to youth. According to information obtained under the Right to Information Act, the AAP government has only advertised 24,000 vacancies in the past four years.
Sharma demanded that the state government release a list of all 65,000 government employees hired during its tenure. He also criticized the AAP government for not providing dearness allowances to state employees and wasting ₹5,000 crores on advertisements.
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