PM Modi in Jalandhar: Slams AAP, inaugurates projects worth ₹5,470 crore

Development push in Jalandhar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi was in Jalandhar on Friday, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a series of development projects worth ₹5,470 crore. The visit comes ahead of crucial bypolls in the state, and the PM used the platform to address a range of issues from sports to agriculture.

The projects span multiple sectors, including highway expansion, rail infrastructure, and healthcare. Modi described Chandigarh as a 'symbol of planned growth' and a 'model of development for India', highlighting the city's urban planning as a template for other cities to follow.

Sharp attack on AAP

In his speech, the Prime Minister launched a blistering attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), calling it 'Kattar Beiman' or 'extremely dishonest'. He accused the state government of failing to maintain law and order, pointing to the deteriorating security situation in Punjab.

Modi also targeted the AAP over the issue of drugs, a sensitive topic in the state. He referenced the presence of Tahir Hussain, a controversial figure, to underscore his criticism of the ruling party's governance. The PM's remarks were seen as an effort to consolidate support among voters disillusioned with the state administration.

Appeal to farmers and youth

The Prime Minister did not limit himself to attacks. He struck a chord with the farming community by promising continued support for agricultural reforms and better market access. He also addressed the youth, linking sports development to national pride and job creation.

Modi's references to sports resonated in Jalandhar, a district known for producing athletes. He pledged more investment in sports infrastructure, positioning it as a pathway to both personal achievement and economic growth. The dual focus on agriculture and sports appeared calibrated to appeal to the region's demographic mix.

Poll season backdrop

The visit is widely seen as a campaign push ahead of bypolls in several Punjab constituencies. The BJP has been striving to regain ground in a state where it has been in opposition for years. By combining development announcements with sharp political rhetoric, Modi aimed to energise the party's base.

The reference to Tahir Hussain, a figure linked to the 2020 Delhi riots, also signals the BJP's intent to nationalise the local election narrative. The party hopes that issues of crime and national security will cut through local factors that traditionally dominate Punjab politics.

What lies ahead

With the bypolls approaching, the PM's Jalandhar visit sets the stage for an intense campaign. The AAP is expected to counter the BJP's offensive with its own record on welfare schemes. The next few weeks will reveal whether Modi's development pitch and sharp attacks can shift the political arithmetic in Punjab.