Opposition alleges involvement of AAP leaders in illicit liquor trade
The Opposition parties in Punjab on Tuesday trained their guns on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) alleging “direct involvement” of its senior leaders in illicit liquor trade in the state.
They also sought resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, who also holds the charge of the state Excise Minister, over the Amritsar liquor tragedy.
Mincing no words, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar said “those running the government are directly involved in the illegal trade”.
“Leaders like Manish Sisodia who had spent nearly two years in a jail on charges of indulging in illegal liquor trade are now camping in Punjab and making money. Even AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is camping in Punjab,” he said.
Jakhar said this apparently referring to corruption cases lodged against both Kejriwal and Sisodia in connection with the now-scrapped 2020-21 Delhi excise policy. Both leaders are currently out on bail.
Jakhar also said his party would approach Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria against Delhi AAP leaders occupying government accommodations in Punjab.
Claims exposed: Bajwa
The Leader of the Opposition in the state Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, said the tragedy was a direct result of negligence and failure CM Mann and Excise Minister Cheema.
“This tragedy exposes hollow claims of AAP’s war against drugs,” he said, seeking resignation of Cheema.
State-sponsored: Badal
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal dubbed the incident a “man-made tragedy and state-sponsored disaster”.
“Ruling AAP has blood on its hands as its MLAs and leaders are directly involved in the illicit trade,” he alleged.
Union Minister of State for Railways and BKP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu said Mann must take full responsibility for the tragedy and resign immediately.
Won’t spare guilty: CM
Meanwhile, the Chief Minister said “killers of the innocent would not be spared at any cost”.
“Arrests of the guilty are taking place. These deaths amount to murdering the innocents. All guilty, be it influential politicians or top police officials, will not be spared,” he said.
