**Title:** Shiromani Akali Dal Criticizes AAP’s Secret Recruitment in Punjab
**Meta Description:** Shiromani Akali Dal condemns AAP’s covert hiring of officials in Punjab, likening it to East India Company tactics.
**URL Slug:** akali-dal-condemns-aap-recruitment-punjab
**Headline:** Shiromani Akali Dal Denounces AAP’s Covert Recruitment in Punjab Development Commission
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has expressed strong disapproval of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government’s recent decision to secretly recruit 22 officials for the Punjab Development Commission (PDC). This move, aimed at managing ten crucial departments, has drawn sharp criticism from SAD leaders, who argue that AAP Convener Arvind Kejriwal is attempting to govern Punjab in a manner reminiscent of the East India Company.
In a statement, SAD President Sukhbir Singh Badal highlighted that the AAP leadership is not only undermining the governance structure by establishing an illegal and unconstitutional Punjab Development Commission but is also exploiting Punjab’s financial resources. He pointed out that the salaries for these newly hired officials are exorbitant, with advisors earning up to Rs 3.30 lakh per month and digital/communication officers receiving Rs 2.65 lakh per month.
The departments affected by this recruitment include Agriculture, Jobs & Economy, Education and Skilling, Health and Social Welfare, Power, Infrastructure, Culture and Tourism, State Finances, Governance, and Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning. Badal noted with concern that the official notification for these positions did not specify any requirement for proficiency in Punjabi or preference for local candidates, which he claims paves the way for the recruitment of AAP affiliates.
He further criticized the pattern of appointing individuals from Delhi to key positions in Punjab, including advisors to the Chief Minister and heads of various corporations and boards, all of whom are loyal to Kejriwal and his associate Manish Sisodia.
Badal accused the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of being a mere puppet, having relinquished significant authority to the Chief Secretary, and surrendering Punjab to what he termed “looters.” He urged Mann to either resign or prepare for significant public protests, warning that under the guise of promoting a “Rangla Punjab,” the state is being transformed into a “Kangla Punjab.”
As the situation unfolds, Badal emphasized that the people of Punjab are closely monitoring the actions of these Delhi-based officials, likening them to agents of the East India Company. He asserted that the electorate would respond decisively in the upcoming 2027 elections.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What is the main concern of the Shiromani Akali Dal regarding the AAP’s recruitment in Punjab?**
A: The Shiromani Akali Dal is concerned that the AAP’s covert recruitment of officials for the Punjab Development Commission undermines local governance and prioritizes outsiders over Punjabis, while also burdening the state’s finances.
