Dewan Demands ‘White Paper’ on Punjab’s Finances 

Chandigarh, October 10, 2026: Former President of the Ex General Secy Punjab Congress committee and Ex Chairman of the Punjab Large Industrial Development Board, Pawan Dewan has demanded that the Bhagwant Mann led AAP government immediately issue comprehensive “White Paper” on the state’s finances. 
Launching a blistering attack on the ruling dispensation for wrecking Punjab’s economy, Dewan warned that with the government running the state entirely on borrowed money, Punjab’s outstanding debt is projected to soar to an alarming ₹4.47 lakh crore by the end of fiscal year 2026 27.
“The loans taken by the AAP government in just 4.75 years have virtually outstripped the cumulative debt amassed by successive governments over the past seven decades,” Dewan charged, lambasting the regime for pushing the economy into a downward spiral. In a statement issued here today, Dewan accused the Mann government of reckless mismanagement, pointing out that the administration has not only failed to revive the dwindling economy but has also indulged in wasteful expenditure on advertisements and publicity campaigns while the state coffers run dry.
Dewan demanded that a “White Paper” is the only instrument through which the people of Punjab can finally uncover the truth — how much of the taxpayers’ money has been wasted for advertisements and hollow publicity campaigns designed to manufacture fake glory for the AAP government. He thundered that transparency cannot be selective and the “White Paper” must lay bare every rupee squandered on propaganda while the state economy sinks deeper into debt.
Dewan further alleged that the AAP government has been blatantly obliging outsiders, particularly individuals from Delhi, by hiring them for various tasks and showering them with hefty reimbursements. He charged that this practice not only sidelines Punjab’s own talent but also drains the state exchequer, exposing the government’s intent to reward its favourites rather than serve the people.
Dewan also accused the AAP government of brazenly awarding multiple contracts to outside agencies, in clear violation of established laws and norms. He charged that such practices not only undermine transparency and accountability but also raise serious questions about the government’s intent, suggesting that favouritism and vested interests are being placed above the welfare of Punjab.
Dewan asserted that the people of Punjab deserve transparency and accountability and a White Paper is the only way to expose the grim reality of the state’s finances. “The government cannot hide behind hollow claims while the economy bleeds. The truth must be laid bare before the people,” he thundered, demanding that the AAP dispensation stop misleading the public and come clean on the financial crisis it has created.