CHANDIGARH, March 15 — Ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s scheduled rally in Moga, Aam Aadmi Party Punjab President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora on Saturday issued a series of eight questions to the Central Government regarding withheld funds, GST losses, and the drug menace. Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Arora stated that the visiting Union Minister owes the three crore people of Punjab clear accountability rather than political rhetoric.
The Cabinet Minister asserted that the Centre has withheld ₹8,300 crore in Rural Development Fund (RDF) and Market Development Fund (MDF) arrears over the last four years. He questioned the legal basis for stalling these payments, which he maintained are essential for rural infrastructure and the welfare of the farming community.
“Punjab welcomes guests with respect, but the people now expect concrete answers on serious economic concerns,” Arora declared. He noted that the state has suffered nearly ₹60,000 crore in losses due to the current GST regime and asked how the Union Government intends to compensate for this deficit.
Arora further noted that a promised ₹1,600 crore flood relief package remains unreleased despite previous assurances. He also raised concerns regarding the India–US trade deal, which he affirmed appears one-sided and could potentially harm small businesses and farmers. Regarding internal security, the AAP leader asked what steps are being taken to secure borders and ports against drug trafficking, noting that the Punjab Government requires stronger Central support in this fight.
