BackDelhi’s AAP govt faces flak over Punjabi teacher promise
AAP govt issues ads promising to ensure at least one Punjabi language teacher in every school with higher wages
Premium
New Delhi: Delhi’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Friday put out full-page newspaper advertisements announcing its decision to ensure at least one Punjabi language teacher in every school and promising higher wages for them, attracting criticism that the party is wasting public money and attempting to influence voters in Punjab, where the party is preparing to compete in the assembly election expected early next year.
The AAP is set to contest assembly polls in Punjab, the first time it is contesting a state election after its landslide victory in Delhi in 2015. With this, the contest for Punjab has become a three-cornered fight from what was earlier a contest between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ally Shiromani Akali Dal and the Congress.
Members of the Delhi government say that this has been done to promote the language in Delhi. However, opposition parties have criticized the move.
“Kejriwal uses government money for full page Ad in Punjab on Punjabi Teachers and Delhi suffers strikes by government servants on non-payment of salary. Money spent on government Ad for Kejriwal publicity is more than to implement the announcement of hiring Punjabi teachers! Waste of Taxpayer money," tweeted Ajay Maken, president of Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee.
“The Kejriwal government in Delhi is using Delhi taxpayers’ money for Punjab elections. When elections are coming, they see it as an opportunity to give a push to Punjabi language. This has been done because the advertisements are being given in Punjab papers as well. We have never seen such misuse," senior BJP leader Vijay Goel told reporters.
Unlock a world of Benefits! From insightful newsletters to real-time stock tracking, breaking news and a personalized newsfeed – it's all here, just a click away! Login Now!
