AAP Govt Won’t Bow to Pressure, Says Punjab President Aman Arora

• Mar 5, 2025

Punjab AAP President and New & Renewable Energy Minister Aman Arora has asserted that the government will not allow anyone to arm-twist it or create inconvenience for the public.

In an exclusive interview with The Tribune, Arora reaffirmed the ruling party’s commitment to handling the ongoing protests by striking revenue officials and the proposed agitation by the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM). With the state government detaining around 350 SKM leaders ahead of their protest, Arora said the administration had made sincere efforts to engage with both groups and seek a resolution. However, he claimed, they attempted to pressure the government—a stance that would not be tolerated.

“We were ready to accept the just demands of SKM. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann urged them to call off their protest, as discussions were underway. But they refused. Should we allow them to bring the state to a standstill? The government had to detain the leaders who were harming Punjab’s economic interests to prevent a blockade of Chandigarh,” he explained.

Dismissing allegations from some SKM leaders that the AAP government was favoring SKM (Non-Political) and Kisan Mazdoor Morcha while being biased against SKM, Arora stated, “This is no longer a fight against us—it has become a power struggle among themselves.”

On the issue of revenue officials’ protests, Arora justified the government’s firm stance, including the suspension of 14 officials. “The decision was taken in the state’s interest. How can they justify protecting corrupt officers and expect us to overlook corruption? The AAP government maintains zero tolerance for corruption,” he asserted.

When questioned about action against corrupt officials and an AAP MLA facing bribery allegations, Arora emphasized due process. “We won’t shield anyone. Once corruption is established, strict action will follow,” he assured.

Arora also highlighted the success of the government’s ‘War on Drugs’ campaign, stating that it had received strong public support.