'This boat is going to sink': Pargat Singh warns AAP over corruption probe
Punjab Congress Chief Pargat Singh warns AAP leaders and officials that their "boat is sinking" as corruption investigations intensify.
Punjab Congress Chief Pargat Singh has issued a stern warning to Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and state officials, claiming that their "boat is about to sink" amid intensifying corruption investigations. The warning follows a significant legal development where the Punjab and Haryana High Court directed the transfer of a high-profile case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
High Court Orders CBI Probe
The judicial intervention comes after the Punjab and Haryana High Court ordered that the investigation into letters written by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) be handed over to the CBI. This decision was made in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Advocate Nikhil Saraf, after the Punjab Police failed to register an FIR regarding the allegations.
The original ED correspondence had sought the registration of an FIR against Rajbir Singh Ghumman, the Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, and several other individuals, citing their alleged involvement in corruption.
"A Sham": Singh Slams AAP Leadership
Speaking to the media, Pargat Singh launched a scathing attack on the AAP, describing the party and its members as a "sham." He suggested that the party was essentially created by the BJP to act as a "B-team."
Singh emphasized that the laws are now so stringent that anyone involved in corruption—regardless of their rank or position—will inevitably face imprisonment. He pointed out that the scrutiny has reached the highest levels of the state administration.
"Even the Chief Minister's Office has been linked to allegations of corruption, which had also been raised earlier by the Enforcement Directorate," Singh stated.
The Congress leader further warned the Punjab DGP, the Chief Secretary, and various ministers that they might attempt to distance themselves from the government once pressure mounts, but urged them not to abandon the people of Punjab to face the consequences of administrative failures.
Allegations of Financial Loot and Police High-handedness
Supporting the claims of systemic failure, Punjab Congress Working President Raj Kumar Verka accused the state government of widespread financial malpractices and a massive loot of the Punjab treasury. He highlighted a deteriorating law and order situation and raised concerns over the ongoing drug crisis in the state.
Verka also criticized the conduct of the police, alleging that citizens who dare to question the government are subjected to "third-degree treatment" and police action. He concluded by labeling the current administration as "failed and useless," calling for its removal from power.