With Punjab Assembly elections due early next year, the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party government faces growing opposition from voter groups such as state employees, contract staff and jobless youth who helped secure its large win in 2022.
In recent weeks demonstrations have spread across the state, revealing rising anger over unresolved issues including employment, pay, promotions, dearness allowance and retirement benefits. Although the administration presents itself as supportive of job creation, its response to the unrest has drawn fire from rivals and unions, raising worries shortly after strong results in municipal elections.
The newest clash occurred on June 5 at the offices of Punjab State Power Corporation Limited and Punjab State Power Transmission Corporation Limited in Patiala. Members of the 2600 PSPCL-PSTCL Apprenticeship Linemen Union Punjab had protested since June 1, seeking permanent posts as assistant linemen.
The situation worsened when demonstrators moved to block a second entrance. Police cleared the site, injuring over twenty people and detaining eleven, who were freed later after opposition figures visited stations and hospitals.
Officers said the move was required because staff inside were effectively trapped. The account did not satisfy several unions. On June 6 protests widened as PSPCL groups statewide criticised the police response and burned effigies of the force and administration.
Union leader Surinder Singh said the group would continue its sit-in after the June 5 events. BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress figures visited the site to back the protesters. Police later named more than 160 individuals in cases of obstructing officials, though no further arrests occurred.
The power corporation protest is one of several. Since May 26 over 1,800 outsourced workers at more than 500 Sewa Kendras have struck for higher wages. Staff claim that after nearly ten years and recent revisions their monthly pay stays between 13,000 and 17,000 rupees, matching new hires.
The action has halted services such as birth certificates and driving licences. Reports indicate nearly 200 workers have been dismissed by contractors.
Separately the Berozgar Sanjha Morcha has maintained a sit-in for over 160 days outside the Sangrur deputy commissioner office and plans a June 10 demonstration in Chief Minister Mann’s home village.
Spokesperson Raman Kumar noted that citizens often voice concerns in election years and recalled 2021 protests against the prior Congress government, when AAP promised to meet demands after taking power. He said the group still awaits higher age limits for jobs and more hiring. He added that members are frequently confined to homes before major events by the Chief Minister.
The administration’s tensions with striking workers predate recent events. Last November a strike by outsourced PRTC staff in Sangrur turned violent when some climbed buses with alleged petrol bottles, injuring an officer. Eleven were arrested on attempt-to-murder charges and remain jailed.
The Safai Sewak Union also halted sanitation work in 135 urban bodies from May 6 to May 22. The stoppage ended only after the government requested thirty days to consider wage demands, though leaders warned of possible renewed action.
