Chandigarh, October 6 (Daily Kiran) : Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Daljit Singh Cheema has launched a verbal attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Punjab government following recent actions by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) linked to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Cheema claims that the CBI’s involvement has raised numerous questions regarding alleged corruption in Punjab, suggesting that further investigations could reveal an even larger scandal.
Cheema highlighted concerns about the senior leadership of the AAP, referencing a significant amount of money seized during an Enforcement Directorate (ED) operation in May at the home of a friend of Mann’s officer on special duty, Rajveer Singh. He noted that corruption allegations had already surfaced at that time.
The senior leader pointed out that the ED’s actions at ministerial residences also raised serious issues. He alleged that the presence of Delhi leaders and a purported parallel system have come under scrutiny. Despite the ED writing three times for FIRs to be registered, no action was taken. The High Court has demanded a response from the government regarding this matter. Cheema asserted that as the CBI investigation progresses, results are beginning to emerge, and he believes this case could surpass other alleged scams in Delhi.
Cheema further accused the Punjab government of systemic corruption, asserting that the issue extends beyond a single department. He mentioned irregularities in officer postings, policy changes, weapon licenses, and tender conditions, suggesting that corruption allegations arise whenever such changes are attempted.
He criticized Chief Minister Mann’s claims of being “strictly honest,” arguing that while the government promotes integrity, serious accusations are surfacing in the wake of investigative actions.
Responding to allegations that the CBI’s actions are an attack on Punjab, Cheema stated that investigating corruption should not be framed as an assault on the state. He questioned why the government failed to act when requests for FIRs were made, asserting that if investigations were warranted earlier, the recent actions should not be viewed as an infringement on Punjab’s rights.
Cheema also referenced AAP leaders who faced corruption-related actions, noting that even when Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Satyendar Jain were imprisoned, AAP continued to label them as patriots. He sarcastically remarked that upon their release, they were given significant roles in Punjab, despite ongoing allegations against them.
On the timing of the CBI’s actions in relation to upcoming elections, Cheema stated that such investigations should have occurred much earlier. He believes that if inquiries had started sooner, the alleged damage to Punjab could have been mitigated. Nonetheless, he considers the delayed actions a step in the right direction. He emphasized that the last six months of the government should not allow for corrupt practices and that any allegations of corruption should be investigated regardless of the electoral timeline. As the investigation progresses, he anticipates a clearer picture of the situation and accountability for the alleged corruption in Punjab.
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