Mass Casual Leave by 3 Lakh Employees Signals a Major Crisis of Confidence in Mann Government: Pargat Singh

Chandigarh, October 21, 2026: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) President Sardar Pargat Singh has termed the mass casual leave taken by nearly 3 lakh government employees, who are protesting outside the gates of the Punjab Civil Secretariat over their demands, as a major indication of the Bhagwant Mann government's failure. He said that a government should listen to the grievances of its employees and resolve their problems, but today, those very employees are being forced to take to the streets to protest against it. This situation reflects the deepening crisis of trust between the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab and its employees.
Commenting on the employees' decision to take mass casual leave, Pargat Singh said that government employees are not the only section suffering in Punjab today. Farmers are also struggling for their rights, while every section of society is increasingly dissatisfied with the government's policies and functioning. Employees have been forced to take mass casual leave to get their demands addressed, farmers are protesting for their rights, and ordinary citizens are running from pillar to post to get their problems resolved. He questioned that if the government cannot address the problems of the people, what is the justification for its continued hold on power?
Taking a sharp dig at the Aam Aadmi Party over the gap between its promises and performance, the PPCC President said that before coming to power in Punjab, the party had made tall promises to employees, farmers and the common people. However, the reality today is that resentment against the government is evident across all sections of society. A government that once claimed it would provide relief to employees and resolve farmers' issues has now left people with no option but to take to the streets to fight for their rights. This is not a sign of change, but proof of broken promises and administrative failure.
Pargat Singh said that the government in power must understand that administration cannot function by ignoring the demands of government employees, nor can Punjab's economy be strengthened by turning a blind eye to the struggles of farmers. The Aam Aadmi Party government has only the final three months of its tenure remaining, yet instead of resolving people's problems, it continues to focus on political publicity and image-building.
He demanded that the Bhagwant Mann government immediately initiate dialogue with representatives of employee unions, take clear decisions on their legitimate demands, and ensure time-bound solutions instead of keeping them entangled in assurances. He also urged the government to take the problems of farmers and other sections of society seriously and resolve them without further delay.
Taking the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to task, Pargat Singh said that the people of Punjab are now fed up with hollow promises. The mass casual leave taken by 3 lakh employees and their protest outside the Secretariat serve as a warning to the government that the voice of the people cannot be ignored for long. In a democracy, the government is accountable to the people, not the other way around. The people of Punjab will therefore show the AAP government the way out of power.