Episode no.125
This interview with Ajaypal Singh Brar was published on 17 December 2022. Talking about the current situation of Punjab, he said that Punjab is lagging behind economically compared to South Asia. This is affecting society, politics and democracy. That is why foreign migration is increasing due to non-availability of new employment opportunities and stable agricultural production. People are desperate and are turning to drugs. He said that internal conflicts also occur due to economic hardship. But the positive side of this is that the people of Punjab have become worried and aware and on the other hand, there is polarization in the society. This is happening all over the world. He said that the central core of India thinks differently. While the outer regions think differently, for example Tamil Nadu’s political thinking is similar to that of Punjab. He said that nowadays the youth are becoming aware and raising their voice but there is no one to give them the right direction. He said that after the farmer’s protest, the confidence of people has increased, so they know how to fight on an issue. As in the Matewada case, leadership was seen among the youth. Apart from this, he also spoke about the leadership of Punjab. He said that the political leaders above the age of 50 of the previous governments have no idea about the new generation, what they want or not. He said that the thinking of Aam Aadmi Party is new but the style of politics is the same as that of previous governments. Ajaypal Singh said that Aam Aadmi Party had shown very high expectations to the people but they could not live up to these expectations. That is why Punjab wants a true leadership. He also gave his views on the issue of comrades. He said that individual competition and jealousy is good to prove oneself to some extent. But when you belong to a party, it should not be like that but should work as one.
~Kulwinder Kaur Bajwa