Jalandhar: The Aam Aadmi Party organized protest demonstrations across Jalandhar and Sujanpur in Pathankot to voice opposition against the central government’s decision introducing additional charges on specified Unified Payments Interface merchant transactions. Party cadre assembled at Shaheed Bhagat Singh Chowk in Jalandhar under the leadership of senior leader Pawan Kumar Tinu, raising slogans and burning effigies of central leadership to express disagreement with the decision. AAP leaders declared that the decision to levy charges on digital transactions creates an unnecessary financial burden on traders, students, and working-class families already navigating broader economic pressures.
Pawan Kumar Tinu maintained that public policy should offer relief to citizens rather than increasing daily operational costs for small enterprises. He noted that after encouraging widespread adoption of digital payment systems and implementing banking limits on cash transactions, imposing new fees on merchant transactions impacts small business owners and consumers who rely on digital platforms for routine transactions. Party representatives asserted that AAP will continue to raise public concerns regarding transaction costs, warning of expanded demonstrations from Punjab to the national capital if the decision remains unaddressed.
During the demonstration, AAP representatives also commented on regional law enforcement efforts, asserting that state agencies are taking decisive steps to counter drug networks across Punjab. Responding to political criticisms, party leaders declared that the state government remains dedicated to dismantling illicit supply chains and safeguarding youth through ongoing administrative and security measures.
