Record surge in Punjab’s revenue driven by Bhagwant Mann Govt's honest governance: Arvind Kejriwal

New Delhi, May 2, 2026: Punjab has scripted a historic turnaround under the Bhagwant Mann Government, recording its highest-ever Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections and a record surge in revenue, a feat the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) attributes squarely to honest governance rather than increased taxation. Crediting the Bhagwant Mann Government’s transparency-driven approach, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated that for years, previous regimes masked their failures behind the excuse of “paise nahi hain,” but Punjab has now decisively proven that the real issue was never a lack of funds, it was a lack of intent.
Sharing Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema’s post on X, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal stated, “For decades, governments kept saying ‘paise nahi hain’ as an excuse for inaction. Today, Punjab proves the truth — it was never about money, it was about intent. With honest governance, there has been a record growth in revenue and that money is now being used to serve the people of Punjab. That’s the AAP model.”
Meanwhile, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema stated on X, “Punjab has recorded a historic 66% growth in GST collections for April 2026 over April 2025, the highest ever in its history. This surpasses all major states and the national average, marking the highest growth registered by any state. A testament to the honest and effective governance of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Punjab is firmly back on track.”
AAP Delhi State President Saurabh Bharadwaj stated, “Punjab Government records  historic 66% growth in GST collections in one year. This is the highest ever in its history. This surpasses all major states and the national average, marking the highest growth registered by any state.”
The AAP National Convenor’s remarks came after Punjab recorded a significant year-on-year increase in GST collections for April 2026. According to data shared by senior AAP leader and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, the state has registered one of the highest growth rates in the country, surpassing the national average and other major states.
AAP leaders described the increase as historic, and pointed out to administrative reforms and improved tax compliance under the current government. The AAP said the revenue growth demonstrates how systemic changes, rather than new taxation, can expand the state’s fiscal capacity.