Punjab must make a tough choice: does it want progress and prosperity, or the handouts distributed for the sake of vote-bank politics? — S. Ravi Inder Singh

Chandigarh, October 22 , Mangat Singh Saidpur-Sikh scholar and patron of the 'Shiromani Akali Dal (Punar Surjit), former Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker S. Ravi Inder Singh, stated in a press release that for decades, political parties have not fostered development in Punjab; instead, they have hooked the state on the 'addiction' to freebies. The consequence is evident to all: Punjab—once the wealthiest state in India—is now reeling under the burden of unemployment, debt, drug abuse, and mass emigration. He remarked that the Congress, the Akali Dal, and now the Aam Aadmi Party have all distributed subsidies like alms to secure votes, yet they have failed to create employment opportunities for the youth or establish agro-based industries that could have brought prosperity to the state. It is for this very reason that today’s youth in Punjab are not seeking degrees, but are instead searching for visas. Farmers are concerned about rising agricultural input costs as well as the depletion of groundwater. Punjab’s exchequer is burdened by debt, the installments of which are being paid by the hardworking people of Punjab through the heavy taxes imposed upon them. Yet, the governments offer only one prescription: more freebies, more debt, and more false promises.

Addressing the people of Punjab, S. Ravinder Singh urged them to decide whether they want genuine development or the handouts being distributed to secure votes. If we do not wake up even now, future generations will never forgive us. He stated that in 2027, Punjab must cast its vote based on tangible results rather than slogans or handouts. We are the self-respecting people of Punjab—a land blessed by the touch of the Gurus—and we should reject the culture of 'freebies' and instead demand a guarantee of employment from the government that comes to power. This is because subsidies are not only causing our own ruin, but are also pushing future generations toward a bottomless abyss of destitution and enslavement. Therefore, the public demand should be for the establishment of industries based on the raw materials produced within Punjab. S. Ravinder Singh stated that Punjab needs development, not debt. This is the only way to save Punjab. Every Punjabi who is concerned about the future of the state should think along these lines.