Anxiety grips Punjab Congress after Amritsar Improvement Trust former chairman Dinesh Bassi's arrest

Tribune News Service

Rajmeet Singh

Chandigarh, July 7

After the arrest of senior Congress leader and former chairman of Amritsar Improvement Trust Dinesh Bassi by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, anxiety has gripped state Congress leaders who see it as the AAP government’s move to target political appointees under the previous government led by the Congress.

The party’s top leadership apprehends that after targeting ministers in the previous government, the middle-rung Congress leaders are in the line of fire of the AAP government and more such political appointees could face the music in the coming days.

JOINING BJP GIVES PROTECTION FROM AAP?

Why has Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government not targeted any of the former Congress ministers who have joined the BJP? Does joining the BJP give a blanket protection from AAP? — Partap Singh Bajwa, CLP Leader

Former Forest Minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot has been arrested in a corruption case and another former Forest Minister Sangat Singh Gilzian has been named in the FIR.

Former Food and Supplies Minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu and Rural former Development and Panchayats Minister Tript Bajwa, too, are facing probes.

CLP Leader Partap Singh Bajwa said the entire action against Congress leaders seems to be part of a tactical understanding between AAP and the BJP to target the Congress leadership. “Why has Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government not targeted any of the former Congress ministers who have joined the BJP? Does joining the BJP give a blanket protection from AAP?” questioned Bajwa.

CM Bhagwant Mann, during the recently held Budget Session, had slammed the Opposition for being neck deep in corruption. “I vow on the floor of this august House that my government will never forgive corrupt politicians for their sins against Punjab and Punjabis even if they join any big or small political party,” he had said.

A senior leader claimed that it appeared to be a pressure tactic to push senior Congress leaders towards joining the BJP and middle-rung leaders towards AAP.

PPCC chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring alleged it was sheer political vendetta. “There is a way of investigation. We will collectively fight against the political vendetta in the coming days,” he said.

About The Author

Tribune News Service

The Tribune News Service brings you the latest news, analysis and insights from the region, India and around the world. Follow the Tribune News Service for a wide-ranging coverage of events as they unfold, with perspective and clarity.

Join Whatsapp Channel of The Tribune for latest updates.

#partap singh bajwa #sadhu singh dharamsot #sangat singh gilzian