New Delhi, August 23: Senior leader of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), Dr. Daljit Singh Cheema, has leveled serious allegations against the Punjab government, accusing it of financial mismanagement and corruption. He claimed that the state government is pushing Punjab towards an economic crisis by continuously borrowing money. Recently, there have been significant irregularities in the process of securing a loan of ₹15,000 crores from Canada.
Dr. Cheema stated that Punjab is already burdened with a debt of approximately ₹4.5 lakh crores, yet the government is preparing to take on new loans. He alleged that two agencies involved in this loan process are set to receive around ₹340 crores, with one agency being paid ₹190 crores merely for facilitating meetings between the bank and the Punjab government. He questioned why such a substantial amount is being spent on intermediaries when the government has numerous IAS officers and a chief secretary available for these tasks.
He emphasized that this money belongs to the public and demanded clarity on the basis for the ₹340 crores payment and who stands to benefit from this entire process. He accused the government of a reckless borrowing policy that is leading Punjab to ruin, with a clear indication of potential corruption.
On the issue of law and order, Dr. Cheema criticized the government, pointing out the rise in incidents of theft, murder, and explosions. He noted that the police are focusing on non-essential tasks rather than their primary responsibilities. He questioned why the police are handling every issue when departments like the Pollution Control Board exist. He also mentioned the prolonged deterioration of sanitation services in Rupnagar, asserting that the government is failing on the administrative front.
Targeting the Congress party, the Akali Dal leader accused it of adopting a dual stance on the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. He highlighted that Haryana Congress leader Deepender Hooda praises Sajjan Kumar while Punjab Congress leaders attempt to gain political mileage by condemning him. He questioned former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi and Punjab Congress President Raja Wadding for not speaking out against Sajjan Kumar earlier if they opposed his role.
Dr. Cheema demanded a clear stance from Congress leadership on this issue, urging Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge, and Sonia Gandhi to publicly state their position. He also called for clarity regarding leaders like Jagdish Tytler and Kamal Nath, whose names have frequently surfaced in various reports.
In another matter, Dr. Cheema claimed that serious allegations involving ₹5 crores against the Chief Minister’s family have emerged in a rape case. He stated that these allegations were made by a retired judge and that a petition related to this case is pending in the High Court. Additionally, the National Human Rights Commission has issued a notice to the government.
He alleged that the Chief Minister’s Officer on Special Duty is also embroiled in serious corruption allegations, and a letter has been sent to the DGP regarding this. He argued that if the Chief Minister is confident that no wrongdoing has occurred, the investigation should be handed over to the CBI. If the government lacks trust in the CBI, he suggested that an investigation should be conducted under the supervision of a sitting judge.
Dr. Cheema insisted that if the government continues to exonerate its ministers, officials, and close associates, the public will not trust such conclusions. He urged the Chief Minister to address all allegations transparently and ensure a fair investigation to maintain public confidence.
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