Will end red tape, inspector raj: Kejriwal to Punjab bizmen

Jalandhar, October 13

A day after paying obeisance at Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today laid out a red carpet for industrialists with his 10 promises to traders and businessmen for the development and uplift of industry ahead of the 2022 elections.

Promising 24-electricity, end of ‘goonda’ tax, red tape and inspector raj, VAT refund to businessmen, end of CLU (change of land use) hassles and emphasis on MSMEs among other doles for industry, the Delhi CM made the declarations during a programme titled ‘Kejriwal’s talk with traders and businessmen’ at Bath Castle in Jalandhar.

Nearly 500 industrialists from Jalandhar’s sports, leather, pipe-fitting, hand tools and other industries were present at the event.

In an initiative pegged to project AAP as the saviour of the trade community, Kejriwal said, “You have tried the Congress-Captain and the Badals, now give us a chance. We don’t need funds from businessmen, we just need support.”

The 10 promises also included 24-hour power supply for the industry, upgrade of infrastructure, strengthening of law and order and emphasis on small traders and MSMEs.

Kejriwal said, “If there is an honest CM and Cabinet at the top, I can challenge that the entire structure below will be alright. We did this in Delhi. Old laws will be rectified and unnecessary ones will be scrapped. A system will be built wherein existing industries need not waste time over government and will be able to invest their time in business.”

Meanwhile, the Aam Aadmi Party faced protests from farmers after a party worker’s husband allegedly abused farmers who were protesting outside Kejriwal’s meeting venue in Jalandhar.

Farmers blocked the road while squatting on the highway and also tore party posters erected at the site. The police apprehended the man. The party, however, denied that abusive language was used against farmers. — TNS