‘Melania Trump wouldn't have visited govt school in Delhi, if Modi had achievements to show': Cheema hits back at Hardeep Puri

Indian Express

21 hours ago

As only one week has been left to voting for the Ludhiana West Assembly bypoll, scheduled on June 19, the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday intensified attacks on main rivals the Opposition Congress and the BJP.
Criticising Union minister Hardeep Puri for boasting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led central government's achievements over the past 11 years, Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema Thursday said if the Modi government had delivered on its promises, there would have been no need to showcase Delhi's government schools to Melania Trump, the wife of US President Donald Trump.
On February 25, 2020, Melania had attended a 'happiness class' at the Delhi government's Sarvodaya Coed Senior Secondary School South in New Delhi.
Likewise, AAP Anandpur Sahib MP Malvinder Singh Kang launched a scathing attack on Congress candidate Bharat Bhushan Ashu, accusing him of 'creating an environment of fear and intimidation during his tenure as an MLA and a minister' and urging voters 'to reject his arrogance'.
Kang said Ashu's 'behaviour has made him a symbol of arrogance and power abuse. His language, threats and rebukes to government officials and his public humiliation of a female District Education Officer (DEO) in front of schoolchildren and teachers have left the people of Ludhiana fearful of his return to power.'
Cheema pointed out that the BJP lacked schools of their own to present and were compelled to highlight the government schools built by the AAP in Delhi. 'The AAP government's schools are so exemplary that children from ordinary families get admissions to IITs and medical colleges. In contrast, the BJP government closed nearly one lakh government schools. When the BJP came to power in 2014, there were 11 lakh government schools in the country; now the number has reduced to only 10 lakh. This is BJP's version of development,' Cheema said.
Senior AAP leader Cheema said while boasting about the Modi government's achievements, Puri conveniently ignored how his government consistently undermined the Constitution and dismantled the country's federal structure.'
'The Constitution defines India as a Union of states, with clearly outlined powers for the states and the Centre, and provisions for joint lawmaking in certain cases. But, in the past 11 years, the Modi government has centralised authority, systematically obstructing the functioning of states. Anyone who fails to respect the Constitution cannot genuinely contribute to the nation's development,' Cheema said, addressing a press conference in Ludhiana.
Contrasting Ashu's record with AAP candidate Sanjeev Arora, Kang said, 'On one side, you have a man whose arrogance has alienated not just the public but even his party workers, while on the other side, Sanjeev Arora represents humility, accessibility and a genuine will to serve. Arora is a businessman from a humble background and entered politics solely to work for the betterment of Ludhiana.'
Pointing to the allegations of corruption and abuse of power against Ashu, Kang said, 'These are not just opinions, but a public record. His character is that of a bully, unfit to represent the people of Ludhiana West.' 'This election is not just about electing an MLA, it is also about choosing between fear and trust, between arrogance and service. Ashu had his chance, but he squandered it with his overbearing behaviour and disregard for the common people. Ludhiana West deserves better,' Kang added.
Terming the Centre's Ayushman scheme 'riddled with conditions that prevent many from benefiting', Cheema said, 'Whereas millions of poor families received treatment at Mohalla Clinics without any restrictions.'
Cheema clarified that Mohalla Clinics are designed for primary healthcare, not for managing pandemics. 'Puri should understand that primary healthcare centres are meant to treat common ailments, not epidemics,' Cheema said.
Speaking about the AAP government's promise to provide Rs 1,000 monthly incentive to Punjab women, Cheema pointed out that the BJP had pledged to give Rs 2500 and three free gas cylinders in Delhi, Haryana and Rajasthan, and sought to know 'what concrete steps, if any, had been taken to fulfil these promises'.
Cheema questioned Puri about Modi's unfulfilled promise of depositing Rs 15 lakh in the bank accounts of every Indian citizen. He also reminded the BJP about their promise to create 2 crore jobs annually, alleging that instead of generating employment, 'the BJP government took jobs away and the country's unemployment rate is now at its highest in 65 years'.
Cheema sought the BJP's explanation about 'why it betrayed the youths so gravely'.