Chandigarh, April 15: Sunil Jakhar, the Punjab BJP state president, has criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, claiming it has set new records in corruption. His remarks come in the wake of Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids at the residence of AAP Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal and Lovely Professional University.
In a conversation in Chandigarh, Jakhar justified the ED’s actions, linking them to an alleged education scam. He noted that Mittal, not only a member of the Rajya Sabha but also the owner of Lovely University, adds gravity to the situation.
Jakhar pointed out that on April 8 and 9, the Punjab and Haryana High Court made strong comments regarding a purported ₹230 crore scam in the SCBC post-matric scholarship scheme. The court expressed frustration over the lack of preliminary investigation or FIRs in the past four years. It warned that if police do not take action, they may need to adopt stringent measures.
He stated that the ED’s actions should be viewed in this context, emphasizing that they serve the interests of impoverished students deprived of education. Citing Bhimrao Ambedkar’s ideals, Jakhar reminded that the call to “Educate, Organize, and Agitate” remains relevant today.
Jakhar accused the Punjab government and Chief Minister Mann of failing to conduct a thorough investigation into the matter. He alleged collusion between AAP and Congress, suggesting both parties are embroiled in corruption.
He also referenced the tenure of former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi, noting that while there were ED actions during that period, the government did not investigate those matters seriously.
Expressing concern over escalating corruption in the state, Jakhar highlighted irregularities in education, job placements, and administrative appointments. He pointed out that numerous positions remain vacant, yet the government has failed to fill them.
On the issue of water, he remarked that it is not just a technical matter but an emotional one for Punjab. Therefore, the state government must actively and reliably participate in all related decisions.
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