Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar Criticizes AAP Government Over ED Raids and Corruption Allegations
In a sharp response to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on the premises of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament Ashok Mittal, Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) president Sunil Jakhar on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann. Jakhar asserted that if Mann had genuinely implemented his much-publicized "zero tolerance against corruption" policy, central agencies like the ED or the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) would not have needed to intervene in Punjab.
Allegations of Hypocrisy and Governance Failures
Jakhar accused the chief minister of distributing "certificates of katar imandari" (integrity) while the reality of corruption is exposed daily before the public. He highlighted that Ashok Mittal is not only an MP but also the owner of a private university, suggesting that the ED's actions may be linked to recent strict remarks by the high court regarding a scholarship scam.
"The chief minister should wait for the investigation to be completed," Jakhar stated, adding that after four years of the AAP government suppressing the scholarship scam, the high court's comments have clearly revealed the government's intentions. He questioned why Mann, who initially made significant noise about this major scam, has now stopped speaking about it, implying a possible compromise.
Defending Central Agency Actions and Demanding Further Probes
Asserting that "the law is doing its job," Jakhar emphasized that actions taken by the central government are not acts of revenge. He further demanded an investigation into individuals allegedly appointed under the Punjab Development Council without any constitutional authority, accusing the chief minister of betraying the people of Punjab by handing over governance to outsiders.
Water Issues and Sentimental Concerns for Punjab
Responding to questions on the Bhakra Beas Management Board (BBMB) issue, Jakhar stressed that Punjab does not have a drop of water to spare for any other state. He described water as not just a technical or administrative matter but a deeply sentimental issue for Punjab and its people.
"These sentiments must be understood and respected whenever such matters are discussed to avoid any action being perceived against the state's interests," he emphasized. Jakhar added that the Punjab government must be included in decisions regarding the state's waters, despite its dismal record, including failing to fill 1,780 vacancies from its quota in the BBMB and neglecting to take action against senior officers responsible for the collapse of gates at the Madhupur dam during floods.
The comments come amid ongoing political tensions in Punjab, with the BJP challenging the AAP's governance and anti-corruption stance following the high-profile ED raids.
