BJP and SAD Launch Scathing Attack on Punjab Minister Over Harassment Allegations
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have launched a blistering offensive against Punjab Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian. This follows serious allegations from an entrepreneur in his ancestral village who claims the minister harassed him over an unpaid bill for a custom-made agricultural trolley.
Entrepreneur Details Allegations of Harassment and Threats
Entrepreneur Malkit Singh, co-owner of startup Zaildar Innovation, addressed a press conference at the Punjab BJP headquarters in Chandigarh. He was joined by Union Minister of State for Railways and Food Processing Industries Ravneet Singh Bittu and BJP MLA from Mukerian Jangi Lal Mahajan. Malkit detailed how his company manufactures innovative trailers that enable lower-horsepower tractors to transport farm produce efficiently.
Malkit stated that Minister Mundian approached them two years ago during what he described as a "two-year waiting period" for their product. The minister reportedly requested a specialized trailer, which was delivered after approximately one year of requisition. The total cost ranged between Rs 6.5 lakh and Rs 7 lakh, including Rs 75,000 to Rs 90,000 for proprietary technology that distinguishes it from standard trailers.
The situation escalated dramatically when Malkit sought payment a year after delivery. According to his account, Mundian responded by claiming a significant portion as his "commission," stating he deserved it. When Malkit refused, the minister allegedly proposed taking a share in the business, which Malkit declined, calling it a "small business."
Allegations of Intimidation and Police Inaction
Malkit further alleged that Mundian, whose ancestral village is Hyatpur Kotli in the Mukerian assembly constituency, orchestrated a campaign against him. He claimed the minister persuaded villagers to sign complaints against his fabrication unit, citing pollution and other issues. More alarmingly, Malkit reported that his family faced an attack from gangsters and expressed deep concerns about the local police's response.
During the press conference, a purported video was played featuring a conversation between Malkit, Mundian, and former minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal. In the recording, Mundian is heard using inappropriate language while Dhaliwal attempts to dissuade him. Malkit emphasized that his family members, including children, now live in fear, avoiding school, gurdwara visits, and even stepping outside.
Political Leaders Demand Action and Investigation
Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu announced that the issue would be escalated to the Punjab governor, seeking immediate intervention. BJP MLA Jangi Lal Mahajan went further, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the matter and calling for enhanced security for the victim's family.
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia condemned the allegations, stating that "extortion by goons" is occurring under "political patronage in Punjab." He referenced the recent alleged suicide of Punjab State Warehousing Corporation district manager Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, suggesting a pattern of pressure and authority misuse within the government.
Majithia asserted, "After allegations linked to Laljit Singh Bhullar, similar accusations have now surfaced against Mundian, who is being accused of extorting a local industrialist and unleashing gangster elements against businessmen." He criticized the government for failing to learn from previous incidents.
Minister Mundian Unavailable for Comment
Despite multiple attempts to contact him via phone calls and text messages, Minister Hardeep Singh Mundian did not respond to requests for comment. Former minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal was also unavailable to provide his perspective on the allegations and the circulated video.
The case has ignited significant political controversy in Punjab, with opposition parties leveraging the allegations to criticize the current administration's governance and law enforcement effectiveness.
