Senior Congress leader and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira has sharply criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ਸਰਕਾਰ for what he described as a “false and baseless” FIR against Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa. He said the case, filed after Bajwa raised concerns about ਪੰਜਾਬ’s law and order situation, was an attack on free speech and democracy.
“This is not just about one person — it’s a direct attack on our right to speak freely,” Khaira said. He accused the Bhagwant Mann-led ਸਰਕਾਰ of trying to silence anyone who questions them by misusing ਪੁਲਿਸ power and state machinery.
Khaira said ਪੰਜਾਬ under AAP has started to resemble a “ਪੁਲਿਸ state,” where Opposition leaders are treated like criminals simply for raising valid concerns. “By launching FIRs instead of answering questions, the Mann ਸਰਕਾਰ has proven our point about its failure and insecurity,” he added.
He also warned that the Opposition would not be intimidated by such actions. “If speaking the truth is a crime, then every responsible citizen should be ready to face an FIR. We will not be silenced,” he said.
Khaira urged civil society, the media, and democratic institutions to take serious note of the growing attempts to crush dissent in ਪੰਜਾਬ. “This is about protecting democracy, not just politics,” he said.
