Punjab Kesari Group Alleges Targeted Witch-Hunt by State Government
The Punjab Kesari Group has leveled serious allegations against the Punjab government. They claim a coordinated campaign of raids and regulatory actions targets their publications and businesses. This move, they say, aims to intimidate the press and stifle independent journalism.
Letters to CM and Governor Detail Allegations
In letters addressed to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Thursday, the media group outlined their grievances. They linked the government's actions to a specific news report published on October 31, 2025. The group described that report as a balanced account of opposition allegations against the AAP's national convenor.
Following the publication, all government advertisements to the group were abruptly stopped from November 2, 2025. The group termed this an act of economic coercion. Despite this pressure, they continued their independent reporting.
A Series of Inspections and Raids
The situation escalated in January. Between January 11 and 15, multiple government agencies conducted inspections and raids.
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India, along with GST and Excise departments, targeted a Jalandhar hotel run by Chopra Hotels Private Limited.
- The Factories Department carried out checks at printing presses in Ludhiana and Jalandhar.
- The Punjab Pollution Control Board took action at both the hotel and the printing presses.
- Authorities cancelled excise licences and disconnected electricity at the Jalandhar hotel.
The group expressed further concern over heavy police deployment outside its printing presses in Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Bathinda. They fear this presence could disrupt newspaper operations entirely.
Government Rejects "Vendetta" Claims, Cites Violations
The Punjab government firmly rejected these allegations in a late-evening press release. Officials dismissed what they called a vendetta narrative. They stated all actions were based on serious, documented violations discovered by statutory authorities.
The government provided specific details regarding the Park Plaza hotel in Jalandhar:
- Storage of over 800 liquor bottles in unapproved locations.
- Absence of mandatory holograms and QR codes on bottles.
- Sale of expired draught beer.
These excise violations led to the suspension of licences after due legal process. The government also cited environmental violations, including:
- Discharge of untreated effluent into sewer lines.
- A non-functional sewage treatment plant.
- Expired consents under the Water and Air Acts.
- Lapses in hazardous waste management.
The government's statement was clear: freedom of the press does not grant immunity from excise, environmental, or labour laws. These laws, they asserted, apply equally to all citizens and entities.
Opposition Rallies Behind Punjab Kesari
Opposition parties quickly voiced their support for the media group. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring took to social media platform X. He stated, Freedom of the press is the backbone of democracy. He called the allegations of a targeted witch-hunt deeply disturbing.
Shiromani Akali Dal MP Harsimrat Badal also tweeted her solidarity. She condemned what she described as an undeclared Emergency against the media by AAP.
BJP state chief Sunil Jakhar strongly criticized the government's actions. He termed them an attack on the freedom of press. The political opposition has united in framing this as a critical issue for democratic norms and media independence in Punjab.
