Chandigarh, Punjab: With the Punjab Assembly elections drawing closer, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is facing growing pressure as protests by employee unions, contractual workers, unemployed youth, and pension seekers intensify across the state.

Over the past several weeks, various groups have staged demonstrations demanding higher wages, regular recruitment, job security, pension benefits, and the fulfillment of promises made by the state government. The wave of protests has added to the political challenges facing the Bhagwant Mann-led administration ahead of the polls.

Since early July, the government has been dealing with multiple agitations simultaneously. Employees from several sectors, including sanitation workers, power department employees, MGNREGA staff, and Aam Aadmi Clinic workers, have organised strikes and protests over issues related to employment conditions, salaries, and contractual appointments.

The Opposition has also criticized the government's handling of the demonstrations, accusing it of failing to address the concerns of protesters effectively. Political parties have alleged that the administration has not delivered on key promises made to employees and job aspirants.

The Punjab government has maintained that it is working to resolve the issues through dialogue and has assured that appropriate steps will be taken to address genuine grievances. However, several protest groups have continued their agitations, stating that they will not withdraw until concrete action is taken.

As the state moves closer to the Assembly elections, the ongoing protests are expected to remain a significant political issue, with both the ruling party and the Opposition seeking to shape the narrative around governance, employment, and public welfare.