Punjab leaders defend state education and accuse BJP of agency misuse

Punjab leadership has issued rebuttals against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) regarding both state education standards and the use of central investigative agencies.

Education Minister Harjot Bains addressed claims made by BJP leaders involving a seven-year-old video of a government school. Bains stated that a recent inspection of the Jallah Government School in Fatehgarh Sahib revealed significant improvements, including smart interactive panels, functional toilets, and Wi-Fi. He cited national rankings, noting that Punjab topped the country in the Performance Grading Index 2.0 and led in classroom learning outcomes according to a NITI Aayog report.

Separately, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann accused the BJP of using the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to target opposition leaders. Mann characterized the arrest of senior AAP leader Satyendar Jain as “political vendetta” intended to intimidate the opposition ahead of Assembly elections. He further rejected criticisms regarding the state's patriotism and addressed the ongoing monitoring of regional water levels.