Sukhpal Singh Khaira calls arrest of AAP MLA an ‘eyewash’
Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira, today strongly condemned the arrest of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Raman Arora by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, terming it a “blatant eyewash” and a “political gimmick” orchestrated by the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government to mislead the public ahead of the Ludhiana (West) by-election.
Khaira drew parallels to the arrest of former AAP Minister Dr Vijay Singla prior to the Sangrur Lok Sabha by-election in 2022, pointing out that despite serious corruption charges, no chargesheet was ever filed against Singla.
“Dr Vijay Singla continues to enjoy the full patronage of AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal and the party, proving that such arrests are mere stunts to create a false narrative of accountability,” Khaira stated.
The Congress MLA further questioned the selective inaction of the AAP government against its own leaders, citing the cases of Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak and MLA Sarabjit Kaur Manuke. “Despite video evidence of exploitation of a young boy against Minister Kataruchak, no action was taken. He continues to hold office with impunity. Similarly, MLA Sarabjit Kaur Manuke, who was held guilty of illegally occupying an NRI’s expensive house in Jagraon, faces no consequences. This exposes the AAP’s double standards and its protection of corrupt and criminal elements within its ranks,” Khaira alleged.
Khaira asserted that if a genuine and impartial inquiry was conducted into activities of AAP MLAs, “most of them would have to be arrested, as they were neck-deep in corruption.” He accused the Bhagwant Mann government of shielding its leaders, while projecting a facade of anti-corruption measures to gain electoral mileage.
“The arrest of Raman Arora is a repeat of the same script played out before the Sangrur by-election. The AAP government is desperate to divert attention from its failures and rampant corruption within its ranks. Punjabis are not fooled by these tactics,” Khaira said, urging the public to see through the “political drama” and hold the AAP accountable for its betrayal of the common man’s trust.
Khaira reiterated his commitment to exposing the AAP’s “hypocrisy” and vowed to continue raising issues of public interest. He called for a transparent investigation by an independent agency into the alleged corrupt practices of AAP legislators to ensure justice for the people of Punjab.
