Kejriwal warns Congress may scrap Punjab welfare schemes over subsidy remarks

Chandigarh, Oct 22 : Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday criticised Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring's remarks on subsidies, warning that a Congress government could discontinue free electricity and other welfare benefits provided by the Bhagwant Mann-led government.

Kejriwal's reaction came after Warring said that if the Congress returned to power, subsidies would be discontinued for those who did not need them and restricted to deserving beneficiaries. Interpreting the remarks as a warning to households benefiting from the state's welfare schemes, Kejriwal urged Punjab residents to remain alert to the possibility of losing free electricity and financial assistance for women under a future Congress government.

The controversy intensified as senior AAP leaders held separate press conferences to defend the Mann government's welfare policies and criticise the Congress's position on subsidies.

AAP spokesperson Baltej Pannu supported Kejriwal's criticism, accusing the Congress of pursuing policies contrary to the interests of ordinary people. He alleged that the party could use Punjab's financial difficulties as a pretext to withdraw welfare measures, while the AAP government had sought to protect household incomes through free electricity, improved public services and financial assistance.

Pannu claimed that the Mann administration had strengthened transparency and curbed corruption, enabling it to extend benefits to millions of families.

Punjab AAP president and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora also targeted Warring at a separate press conference, alleging that the Congress leader's statement had exposed the party's approach towards welfare expenditure.

"Warring's statement has made it clear that the facilities people are receiving will be discontinued as soon as a Congress government comes to power," Arora said.

He alleged that a Congress government could withdraw the benefit of 600 units of free electricity over two months, healthcare coverage of up to Rs 10 lakh and monthly financial assistance of Rs 1,000 or Rs 1,500 for eligible women. Arora further claimed that improvements in government schools and hospitals could be undermined if the Congress returned to power.

The Mann government currently provides eligible domestic consumers with up to 300 units of free electricity per month. AAP has also highlighted its healthcare coverage and financial assistance programmes for women as key welfare initiatives aimed at reducing the financial burden on households.

However, Warring's remarks specifically referred to ending subsidies for people who did not need them, rather than withdrawing assistance from all beneficiaries.

The exchange has brought the future of Punjab's welfare schemes into sharper political focus ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. AAP is seeking to hold the Congress accountable for the implications of its subsidy policy, while the debate has highlighted competing approaches to welfare spending amid concerns over Punjab's financial position and the cost of subsidies.