Former Delhi CM and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal on Friday said the Punjab government would provide facilities needed for industries to compete with China.
Speaking at the ‘Progressive Punjab Investors Summit 2026’ in Mohali, he said a business-friendly environment had helped attract ₹1.50 lakh crore in investments in four years in Punjab.
Mr. Kejriwal said the government has introduced a 45-day single-window clearance system and is building a business-friendly ecosystem focused on human capital, industrial growth and large-scale job creation for youth.
“In the journey of any State or country, three or four years is a very small period. But if in four years, we have managed to change the direction of the wind and bring new energy and positivity about Punjab, then I believe this is a major achievement of the Punjab government.” Mr. Kejriwal said,
Leading industries
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said, “In a major boost to the industrial development in the State, the Punjab government has roped in leading industries. It is a matter of immense pride and satisfaction that on the first day of the summit, the State has secured investments worth more than ₹10,000 crore.”
“Industry leaders such as HMEL, Tata Steel, JSW, Trident Group, and Hero Industries have announced plans to expand and set up their ventures in the State.” Mr. Mann said.
Meanwhile, taking a dig at AAP, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal, said the AAP government was projecting the development done during the SAD tenure to attract investment in the ongoing Punjab investment summit, which he said was “a matter of pride for the SAD”.
Addressing a rally as part of the party’s Punjab Bachao campaign at Fatehgarh Churian, the SAD president said, “The AAP government is showcasing airports, superior road connectivity as well as the power surplus status of Punjab, all of which were created by the erstwhile SAD government, to investors. They should honour us for creating this infrastructure.”
He, however, added that no one would invest in the State till the time the gangster culture is eradicated.
Published – March 14, 2026 12:53 am IST
