Pandemonium in Punjab Assembly over corruption allegations against AAP govt

A chaotic scene unfolded in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha on Tuesday after Congress leader and Leader of Opposition, Partap Bajwa, sought a government response regarding the corruption charges leveled by the PSEB Engineers Association.

The association had alleged that a ruling party politician had asked them to collect funds for the party.

In response, Punjab Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO denied the allegations, questioning Bajwa to clarify on whose behalf the funds were allegedly solicited.

Finance Minister Harpal Cheema also joined the debate, stating that the PSEB Engineers Association had never submitted a formal statement to the Vigilance Bureau, adding that investigation was ongoing in the power sector.

As the debate escalated, Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan intervened, reprimanding Bajwa for not listening to the Power Minister’s reply.

However, Bajwa reiterated his demand for the formation of a House Committee to probe the corruption charges, further intensifying the debate.

Meanwhile, AAP Punjab president Aman Arora, joined the ongoing debate, stating that he was aware of the letter from the PSEB Engineers Association alleging that a party had sought Rs 50,000 as party funds. However, the association did not specify which party was involved, he said.

Arora defended Power Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO, citing an incident where the minister had played a key role in having a corrupt official arrested.

“I am his colleague and the party president; it is my duty to defend him,” Arora said. He further criticised Bajwa, stating that illegal mining, drug addiction, and corruption were major issues plaguing society.

Arora also referred to a report by The Tribune, citing an interview with retired ED officer Niranjan Singh, reminding Bajwa who all were involved in the case of liquor deaths in Tarn Taran district in 2020. “One minister and 10 Congress MLAs were reportedly involved,” said Arora.

Arora said a Vigilance inquiry was already underway and expressed hope that Bajwa would be satisfied with its findings.