Congress signals challenges ahead for Punjab’s AAP government

Punjab's political landscape appears fraught with tension as Pratap Singh Bajwa, the Congress leader of opposition in the state, has claimed that over 32 MLAs from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) are in contact with him.

Bajwa suggested that these interactions, coupled with potential conversations between AAP leaders and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), indicate that the Bhagwant Mann-led government may be on the verge of collapse. However, Bajwa emphasized that the Congress would not be responsible for destabilizing the government, attributing that role to the BJP.

In an exclusive conversation with NDTV, Bajwa stated that Congress is keen on seeing the AAP government fulfill its five-year term to allow the people of Punjab to fully evaluate its governance.

He also suggested discontent within the ranks of AAP, claiming financial misconduct involving funds allegedly transferred out of India through hawala channels, linked to liquor and land use changes during AAP’s governance. Bajwa criticized the "Delhi model" as bringing in "experts in looting."

Responding to Bajwa's remarks, AAP accused him of aligning with the BJP, with party leader Neel Garg alleging Bajwa's purported moves to secure a position within the BJP. Garg suggested that Congress's Rahul Gandhi should monitor Bajwa's actions closely.

Amidst these political accusations, the Punjab government, led by Bhagwant Mann, faces significant opposition pressure following a recent electoral setback in Delhi.

In response, the government has initiated a sweeping anti-corruption campaign, a key pre-election promise, resulting in the dismissal of 52 police officers—ranging from constables to inspectors—on corruption charges.

Additionally, Varinder Kumar, a senior IPS officer, was removed from his role as chief director of the Vigilance Bureau. The government has also suspended Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Tripathi from Sri Muktsar Sahib, commissioning an investigation by the Vigilance Department into his conduct.