CHANDIGARH, OCTOBER 04, 2026 :Senior BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Tarun Chugh on Sunday launched a fresh attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, claiming that the party’s own MLA has exposed the gap between its claims of an “education revolution” and conditions in government schools.
Chugh’s remarks came a day after AAP MLA Sukhveer Singh Maiserkhana publicly raised concerns over an alleged shortage of teachers in government schools in his home constituency of Maur in Bathinda district.
AAP MLA Raises Teacher Shortage Issue
Maiserkhana reportedly went live on Facebook, saying he had taken to social media after becoming frustrated over his inability to get his grievance regarding teacher shortages resolved.
The MLA’s criticism was directed at his own party leadership and the Punjab government.
The AAP, however, rejected his allegations and subsequently suspended Maiserkhana, citing “anti-party activities and indiscipline.”
Chugh Targets AAP’s Education Claims
Reacting to the controversy, Chugh said the concerns raised by the ruling party’s own legislator had exposed what he described as a contradiction between the AAP government’s claims and the situation on the ground.
He alleged that some government schools in Punjab continue to face shortages of basic infrastructure, including inadequate seating and problems with school buildings and other facilities.
Chugh also referred to protests by teachers and employees, arguing that the government should ensure that legitimate demands are addressed through dialogue rather than confrontation.
‘Democratic Right to Peaceful Dissent Must Be Respected’
The BJP leader broadened his criticism to include law and order and democratic rights.
According to Chugh, maintaining law and order should not be limited to controlling crime but should also involve protecting citizens’ rights, ensuring due process and respecting the right to peacefully protest and dissent.
He said employees, teachers and other sections of society should be able to raise legitimate grievances peacefully and should be treated with dignity and within the framework of the law.
‘Education Cannot Be Transformed Through Slogans’
Chugh also highlighted what he called the contradiction between Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s description of himself as the “son of a teacher” and the continuing protests by teachers seeking resolution of their demands.
He argued that improving education requires more than political messaging.
According to Chugh, Punjab needs adequate teachers, better school infrastructure, modern facilities and improved working conditions and dignity for the teaching community.
Chugh Highlights Central Government Initiatives in Amritsar
Chugh also shifted focus to initiatives linked to the Union government, saying that sustained efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi were being made to develop Amritsar as a centre for education, employment, connectivity, tourism and modern infrastructure.
With Amritsar approaching its 450th anniversary, Chugh said efforts were underway for the establishment of a Kendriya Vidyalaya in the city.
He also said he had met Union Education Minister Pralhad Joshi and urged the establishment of a Central university in the Amritsar-Gurdaspur border region, which he said could emerge as a major centre for higher education and research.
Focus on Connectivity
Chugh further highlighted infrastructure and connectivity initiatives involving Amritsar.
He recalled his efforts with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari to improve Amritsar’s connectivity with the Delhi-Katra Expressway.
He also said he had held several meetings with the Railway Ministry regarding Vande Bharat connectivity to Amritsar, which he claimed has now become a reality.
The political exchange comes amid renewed debate over the state of government education in Punjab, with the AAP government facing criticism from the opposition while also taking disciplinary action against its own MLA following his public criticism.
