Allegations of Corruption in Punjab: Gaurav Bhatia Questions Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann
New Delhi, September 2: Senior BJP leader Gaurav Bhatia held a press conference on Wednesday, making serious allegations against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab. He targeted Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, claiming that a ‘Cash for Transfer’ scam is allegedly operating under his nose. Bhatia questioned whether Arvind Kejriwal is the mastermind behind this purported scam.
Bhatia stated that it would not be incorrect to say that Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann have become symbols of corruption. He accused the AAP government of turning Punjab, a state known for its integrity, hard work, and patriotism, into a hub of corruption and nepotism. He drew parallels to a similar alleged rate card model related to the liquor policy in Delhi, claiming that a similar rate card for transfers and postings has been established in Punjab. Bhatia alleged that middlemen and brokers have been given free rein regarding the transfers and postings of officials.
Referencing the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigation, Bhatia claimed that Bhagwant Mann’s Officer on Special Duty (OSD), Rajbir Singh Ghuman, was allegedly running a racket concerning the transfers and postings of various officials, including IAS and IPS officers. According to the facts revealed in the ED’s investigation, confidential documents, draft lists of transfers and postings, and documents related to future government policies were allegedly found on the mobile phones of middlemen and brokers via WhatsApp. He described this as a serious matter concerning governance and administrative confidentiality.
Bhatia emphasized that sensitive government information could also be linked to national security and anti-terrorism operations. Such information is shared between the central government, investigative agencies, and state governments. He alleged that this confidential information was reportedly reaching middlemen associated with the Punjab government.
Bhatia questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann about whether Arvind Kejriwal is the main architect of the alleged ‘Cash for Transfer’ scam. He insisted that the people of Punjab deserve answers regarding who is behind the alleged extortion and whether the top leadership of the AAP is involved. He claimed that middlemen and brokers have gained so much freedom that they are allegedly in a position to question the Chief Minister directly regarding the ‘rates’ for transfers and postings.
He asserted that the ED has presented several shocking facts in its affidavit to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He mentioned that the ED had informed the Punjab Police about the alleged case, categorizing it as a cognizable offense and indicating the need for an FIR. Despite seven letters sent to the Punjab Police regarding this matter, no FIR has been registered. He alleged that this inaction occurred because the name of the Chief Minister’s OSD, Rajbir Singh Ghuman, has emerged in the case. He also claimed that money was allegedly collected through Ghuman and funneled to the party’s top leadership.
Bhatia demanded the immediate resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He stated that with assembly elections approaching in Punjab, the public will hold this government accountable. However, he warned that if someone facing such serious allegations remains in office, the alleged extortion of the public’s hard-earned money may continue.
He concluded by stating that public funds should be spent on welfare and development. He urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to provide immediate clarification on these serious allegations and suggested that if the claims are found to be true, he should resign from his position. The people of Punjab have every right to know who is behind the alleged ‘Cash for Transfer’ case and whether Arvind Kejriwal has any role in it.
