"Illegal possession": Congress-AAP spar in Punjab over alleged occupancy of ministerial bungalows by AAP leaders
Congress MLA Sukhpal Khaira alleges AAP leaders are illegally occupying Punjab ministerial bungalows, sparking a fierce political war of words.
A fierce political confrontation has erupted in Punjab as the Congress party and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) trade accusations over the alleged illegal occupation of official ministerial residences by AAP leaders who do not hold cabinet portfolios.
The controversy was ignited by Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, who raised serious questions regarding why "non-Punjabi" leaders are being permitted to reside in state-allotted bungalows. Khaira has specifically named several high-profile figures, alleging they are occupying homes meant for Punjab's ministers.
Allegations of illegal occupancy
In a series of social media posts, Khaira claimed that leaders such as Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain, Deepak Chauhan, and Gayatri Bishnoi are staying in official residences. He specifically pointed out the following details:
- House No. 961: Allegedly the official residence of AAP Health Minister Balbir Singh, which Khaira claims is being occupied by Gayatri Bishnoi.
- House No. 960: Allegedly occupied by Manish Sisodia.
- House No. 926: Allegedly being used by both Jarnail Singh and Satyendar Jain.
Khaira went as far as to question if the houses are interconnected, asking if a small gate exists in the dividing wall between House 960 and 961. He has demanded clarity from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, asking whether these accommodations were sublet by ministers or if these "outsiders" are in illegal possession of government property.
A heated response from Gayatri Bishnoi
The allegations have triggered an emotional response from AAP's Rajasthan President (state women's wing), Gayatri Bishnoi. Responding to Khaira, she labeled him a "vile man" and defended her presence in the residence.
Bishnoi stated that she is living in House 961 with the blessings of Health Minister Balbir Singh to provide care for her ailing father. She accused Khaira of slandering her character and threatened legal action, stating that she intends to pursue remedies against his "despicable" remarks.
Political tension ahead of 2027 elections
This bungalow dispute comes at a sensitive time for Punjab's political landscape. As the state prepares for the 2027 Assembly elections, the atmosphere is already charged with tension following recent Enforcement Directorate (ED) searches in the state.
The political climate is further complicated by:
- Corruption Allegations: Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has accused the government of allowing corruption to flourish across various departments.
- Agency Timing: Both Congress and AAP have questioned the timing of central agency actions, with AAP accusing the Centre of using agencies to target the state government ahead of the polls.
- Protests: AAP workers recently staged protests outside the GMADA office in Mohali in response to the ongoing scrutiny.
As the "bungalow war" intensifies, the central question remains whether these residences are being used for official purposes or if they have become a flashpoint for political maneuvering in the lead-up to the next election cycle.