BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak stated on Sunday that he has not yet received any official information regarding the two FIRs reportedly filed against him by Punjab Police. Addressing a press conference in Delhi, Pathak said, "TV channels are reporting that two FIRs have been lodged against me. However, I have not received any such information so far. I was waiting to get a copy of the FIR so that I could respond to it. It would not be surprising if any FIR has been lodged against me by misusing political power. All those who have worked with me know that I work with integrity. I worked with honesty and integrity when I was with AAP, and now that I have joined the BJP, I will continue to work in the same way."
The development comes days after Pathak left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and joined the BJP along with a group of MPs who merged with the ruling party in the Rajya Sabha. In response, Punjab Police registered two FIRs against him under non-bailable sections, sparking a political firestorm.
Political Reactions to the FIRs
BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders strongly criticized the FIRs, accusing the AAP government in Punjab of engaging in political vendetta and misusing the police machinery. Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma alleged, "There is no law in Punjab; now, political vendetta is in effect. Bhagwant Mann and Kejriwal's fear exposed. The fact that a non-bailable FIR was registered against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak ji in Punjab as soon as he left AAP and joined BJP clearly shows that Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann are using the police as a political weapon."
BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi raised serious questions about the state's law and order situation, accusing Punjab Police of focusing on political actions rather than addressing governance issues. SAD general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia also alleged selective targeting of former AAP allies, questioning why only leaders who changed parties were facing legal action.
Security Measures and Next Steps
Meanwhile, security was tightened outside Sandeep Pathak's residence in Delhi, with police personnel deployed and barricades put up as a precautionary measure. Pathak reiterated his commitment to integrity and stated he would respond to the FIRs once he receives copies of them. The controversy continues to escalate as political parties trade accusations over the misuse of power in Punjab.
