The BJP's core committee is scheduled to meet later today to determine the future of Shiv Kumar, the party's district Scheduled Caste (SC) Morcha president, following the arrest of his son Rohan Khosla on charges of arms smuggling.
Arrest and recovery of weapons
Rohan Khosla was arrested on June 19 during a joint operation by the State Special Operations Cell (SSOC) and the Border Security Force (BSF). Security agencies recovered 26 sophisticated weapons from his possession, including an AK-47 assault rifle. Interrogation revealed that he had allegedly smuggled weapons on previous occasions as well. He remains in police custody for further investigation.
Party's response
BJP district president Harwinder Singh Sandhu confirmed the development, stating that although Shiv Kumar has not been actively involved in party affairs for several months, the seriousness of the matter could not be ignored. "Even though he has remained inactive in party activities for the past several months, we cannot overlook an issue of such seriousness, especially when it concerns national security," Sandhu said.
Political fallout
The arrest has sparked a political controversy, with Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief spokesperson Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal targeting the BJP. Dhaliwal alleged that the incident exposes the BJP's attempts to disturb peace and communal harmony in Punjab ahead of the forthcoming Assembly elections. He questioned senior BJP leaders, including Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar and national general secretary Tarun Chugh, asking whether the party would take action against "criminal elements" within its ranks.
Border security concerns
Dhaliwal also raised concerns over border security, noting that while the BSF operates under the Union Home Ministry headed by Amit Shah, weapons and narcotics continue to enter Punjab. "Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has repeatedly sought anti-drone systems to strengthen border security, but the BJP-led Centre has failed to provide adequate support. This exposes the BJP's anti-Punjab stance," Dhaliwal alleged.
The BJP has yet to announce any disciplinary action against Shiv Kumar, with the party's core committee expected to deliberate on the issue later today.
