Capital Expenditure Collapse Shows Mann Government’s Financial Breakdown: Chugh

Chandigarh, December 2, 2025: BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh strongly criticised the Punjab Government for the continuous decline in capital expenditure, saying that under Bhagwant Mann, the state has sunk into severe financial disorder—almost an economic emergency. Chugh said that in the first half of the 2025-26 financial year, Punjab’s capital expenditure fell by 36 percent to merely Rs. 1,760 crore, and the government could spend only 17 percent of its own budgeted provision. This, he said, clearly shows that the government has failed on every front and is more focused on political theatrics and serving the so-called Tihar Gang Trio in Delhi than on fulfilling its responsibility towards the people of Punjab.

Chugh said the persistent fall in capital expenditure under the AAP Government has become an alarming signal for the state’s economy. He added that incomplete roads, stalled projects, shrinking job opportunities, and a collapsing basic infrastructure all reflect a government that has gone into deep slumber. The decline in capital expenditure, he said, directly means halted roads, bridges, hospitals, schools, and development projects across the state. It means the pace of development has come to a standstill, industries and investors are avoiding Punjab, and both rural and urban infrastructure have begun to suffer. Chugh said the government’s approach has pushed Punjab into the category of states that are steadily falling behind in development.

Chugh said the financial condition of Punjab has deteriorated to the extent that the government is no longer able to spend on development. With no serious financial management in place, the state’s economy has entered a dangerous phase. He warned that this crisis is shaking Punjab’s financial credibility, will increase the cost of borrowing in the future, and will directly impact public services and essential facilities.

Calling it nothing less than an “economic emergency,” Chugh said the government is busy misleading people while the reality is that there is no development visible on the ground. He demanded accountability from the government, asking where the money has actually gone. Why is Punjab’s capital expenditure declining so sharply? Why are thousands of crores kept for development not being spent? Is the government incapable, or is the money being diverted elsewhere? He said the people of Punjab have every right to know where their hard-earned tax money is being spent if not on development.