BJP Chief Calls for Independent Probe into Controversial Video
In a significant political development, Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Sunil Jakhar has demanded an independent investigation under the supervision of the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This call, made on Thursday, aims to verify the authenticity of a purported video involving Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The demand comes just two days after the acting jathedar of the Akal Takht, Giani Kuldeep Singh Gargaj, summoned the Chief Minister over the same clip.
Jakhar emphasized the need to determine whether the video is genuine or has been created using artificial intelligence (AI). He stated that if the video is found to be authentic, such a person has no moral right to occupy the chair of the Chief Minister of Punjab. He also demanded that a special session of the Punjab Legislative Assembly be convened to discuss this serious issue.
Accusations of Misusing Public Funds and Failing Governance
While addressing a public event in Pholriwal village related to the central government's VB-G RAM G scheme, Jakhar launched a broadside against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. He accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of spending taxpayers' money on advertisements across the country to serve narrow political interests.
Jakhar questioned how advertising in other states benefits the people of Punjab, arguing that if this substantial sum were instead spent on development projects, the state's residents would see real advantages.
He further highlighted the deteriorating law and order situation, pointing to nine murders reported within a span of seven days. On the issue of drugs, he criticized the government for launching the second phase of its anti-drug campaign, suggesting this move indirectly admits that the police force is no longer capable of controlling the rampant drug abuse. "People must now protect their own homes," he remarked.
Scrutiny on Government Schemes and Policies
The BJP state president also raised questions about the Punjab government's financial commitments to rural development. He challenged the CM to disclose the exact amount of money released by the state government for village development over the past four years.
Additionally, Jakhar labeled the state's health insurance scheme as "deceptive". He claimed that in reality, the government pays a premium for coverage worth only up to one lakh rupees, not the advertised ten lakh rupees, misleading the public about the extent of the benefit.
Shifting focus to central policy, Jakhar defended the new employment laws, asserting that they would curb corrupt earnings. He alleged that this threat to illicit income streams is the real reason why both the AAP and the Congress party oppose what he called a "pro-poor decision" by the central government.
Parallel Protest Over Comments by AAP Leader Atishi
In a related political confrontation, the BJP organized a protest in Patiala on Thursday. This demonstration was based on claims by BJP MLAs that former Delhi chief minister and senior AAP leader Atishi Marlena made comments that hurt Sikh sentiments.
The protest proceeded despite Atishi taking to social media platform X to categorically refute and rubbish all allegations made against her by the BJP leaders.
