The ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab has defended the recent arrest of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Majithia. He is accused of laundering ₹540 crore earned through drug trafficking. AAP leaders say the action is based on strong evidence and not political revenge.
However, many Opposition leaders are calling the move a political vendetta. They say the timing of the arrest is suspicious and looks like an attempt to silence critics.
Even AAP’s own MLA from Amritsar North, Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, raised questions. He said early morning raids and sudden action without clear reasons go against principles. He said, “We may have political differences, but when it comes to fairness and truth, we must speak up.”
Former Punjab Chief Minister and Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi also criticized the government. He said the AAP is trying to create a “false story” about drug links to target Opposition leaders. He reminded that his government had already booked Majithia in 2021, but he got bail because the police did not properly question him.
Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa said this kind of arrest goes against democratic values. Another Congress leader, Sukhpal Singh Khaira, also condemned the move and said Punjab was becoming a “police state.”
BJP state president Sunil Jakhar said the law must apply to everyone equally. He warned that targeting some while letting others go free weakens public trust in justice and governance.
AAP leaders hit back at the criticism. State AAP chief Aman Arora said the arrest is based on facts and not revenge. Finance Minister Harpal Cheema said the government is determined to punish all drug traffickers to protect Punjab’s future.
The debate continues over whether the arrest is justice or politics.
Be the first to comment