Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a strong political attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab while addressing public rallies in Jalandhar and Chandigarh, signalling the beginning of the BJP's campaign for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections.

He alleged that the AAP government had weakened the state's law and order situation, failed to tackle drug abuse, allowed gangster activity to rise, and pushed Punjab into financial distress through increasing debt.

Modi asserted that only a BJP-led 'double engine' government could restore development, improve governance and strengthen the state's economy.

He also accused the AAP leadership of corruption, referring to cases involving former minister Vijay Singla, minister Sanjeev Arora and other party leaders, while citing recent court judgments involving AAP leaders from Gujarat and Delhi to question the party's credibility.

In addition to criticising the AAP, Modi targeted the Congress and the Shiromani Akali Dal, claiming both parties had prioritised their own political interests over the welfare of Punjab.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister flagged off India's first indigenously developed hydrogen-powered passenger train between Jind and Sonipat and highlighted the government's railway modernisation and electrification efforts.He also encouraged Haryana to identify young sporting talent for the 2036 Olympic Games.

In Chandigarh, Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for development projects worth over ₹4,700 crore covering healthcare, education and road infrastructure.

Congress MP Manish Tewari briefly interacted with the Prime Minister after the event and said that development projects benefiting Chandigarh should rise above party politics.