Punjab Congress Leaders Decry Demolition of Sukhpal Khaira's Ancestral Property as Political Vendetta
In a strongly worded joint statement issued on Sunday, senior Punjab Congress leaders have vehemently condemned the demolition of the ancestral property belonging to senior party leader and Bholath legislator Sukhpal Singh Khaira. The incident occurred in Ramgarh village within the Kapurthala district, sparking widespread outrage among opposition figures.
Congress Leaders Issue Stern Warning to AAP Government
Prominent Congress figures, including Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, leader of opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa, AICC general secretary and former deputy chief minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and former minister Pargat Singh, have collectively warned the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government against what they describe as a brutal abuse of power driven by sheer political vendetta. They emphasized, "This is too much," signaling their growing frustration with the ruling administration's actions.
Allegations of Illegal Actions and Intimidation Tactics
The Congress leaders asserted that the demolition of the outer wall of Khaira's ancestral house in the Bholath assembly segment was a clear and deliberate act aimed at silencing him. They cautioned government officials against indulging in what they termed as illegal and unlawful bidding of the AAP government, which they claim is already on its way out. In a pointed message, they stated, "Nobody is coming to save you when you are held to account for the sins of your omission and commission, so beware."
Furthermore, the leaders accused the ruling party of attempting to intimidate and arm-twist Congress figures to prevent them from exposing governmental failures. They argued that this action only reveals the AAP's desperation and frustration following a complete loss of public support. Drawing parallels, they noted that the AAP appears to have taken a leaf from the BJP's copybook, which has also been criticized for indiscriminate use of bulldozers in similar contexts.
Ultimatum to Officials and Police
The senior Congress leaders issued a categorical ultimatum to government officials and police personnel, warning them against going the extra mile to please their political masters by intimidating Congress workers and leaders. They emphasized that every action is being closely monitored, stating, "Everything is being noted. Everything is being recorded. Nothing will be forgotten. Nothing will be forgiven." They reiterated their belief that the AAP government's time is limited, adding, "Your time is up as your countdown has started and our time is coming, and you will be held to account for every action."
In conclusion, the Congress leaders urged the AAP not to set a wrong precedent, highlighting the potential long-term consequences of such politically motivated demolitions. This incident underscores the escalating tensions between the opposition and the ruling party in Punjab, with implications for the state's political landscape.
