SAD’s Daljit Cheema slams AAP over corruption, law and order situation in Punjab

Chandigarh, June 9 (SocialNews.XYZ) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader and former Punjab Education Minister Daljit Singh Cheema on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal, questioning his remarks against the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and accusing the Punjab government of failing to address corruption, law and order concerns, and the growing energy crisis in the state.

Speaking to IANS, Cheema said Kejriwal should first explain the circumstances that led to central agencies conducting raids against members of his own party before attempting to give the issue a religious colour.

"First of all, Kejriwal should answer why the ED conducted raids against his minister (referring to Punjab Minister Sanjeev Arora). Was the raid carried out on religious grounds or on allegations of corruption?" Cheema asked.

Referring to another recent raid at a property developer's home, the SAD leader claimed that names linked to the AAP leadership and officials associated with the Chief Minister's Office had surfaced during the investigation.

"Secondly, a raid was conducted against a land developer in Kharar, during which Rs 22 lakh was allegedly thrown down from the ninth floor. In that case, the name of the Aam Aadmi Party's state president also surfaced, along with the names of some officials from the Chief Minister's Office. Kejriwal should tell us who was behind this and what the reason was," he said.

Cheema's remarks came after Kejriwal alleged earlier in the day that the ED was "harassing small Hindu traders in Punjab" and claimed that enforcement actions were being carried out against members of the trading community in the state.

Responding to the allegation, Cheema said that if the AAP leadership had acted firmly against those facing accusations within its own ranks and removed them from positions of power, its criticism of central agencies would have carried greater credibility.

"If he had acted honestly, taking action against those individuals, removing them from the administration and the government, and then commenting on other matters, his credibility would have increased. But when the CBI raids your own government, specifically your state's Vigilance Bureau, how can you link that to religion?" he said.

Cheema further argued that every issue should not be turned into a political or religious controversy and reminded Kejriwal of the promises made by AAP when it entered politics.

"One shouldn't politicise every issue. He is a leader of national stature who came to power promising to end corruption. However, what was the reason behind the raids and jail time of Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Satyendra Jain?" he questioned.

The SAD leader maintained that while governments must ensure that opposition leaders are not subjected to vendetta politics or unfair treatment, any individual found guilty of wrongdoing should be dealt with strictly, regardless of religion or social background.

"The state government should ensure that no wrongdoing or vendetta politics takes place, and opposition leaders shouldn't be unfairly targeted. However, if someone is caught red-handed engaging in wrongdoing, they must face the consequences, whether they are Hindu, Sikh, Muslim, or Christian; everyone is equal before the law," he said.

Cheema also asserted that attempts to build political narratives around religion would not find much acceptance among Punjab's voters.

"Politics based on such divisive narratives doesn't work anymore. People of Punjab understand these things. If you criticise the situation merely to shield your own people, I believe the public in Punjab is discerning enough not to be swayed by such rhetoric; they understand the truth behind the corruption allegations levelled against you," he added.

Turning his attention to governance in Punjab, Cheema accused the AAP-led government of failing to maintain law and order and said public confidence in security had eroded significantly.

"As for the law and order situation in Punjab, it exists only on paper now; it has become just a phrase. The very concept of law and order has disappeared on the ground. No person, woman, or elderly citizen feels safe sitting at their gate or even inside their home. People do not feel safe while going to the market," he said.

Highlighting a series of incidents that have taken place in the state, Cheema argued that repeated attacks on public and political institutions reflected the seriousness of the situation.

"There have been so many attacks in Punjab in recent times. Police headquarters and stations, the Chandigarh BJP office, several temples, homes of many leaders, etc., have been attacked. How much worse can the law and order be?" he asked.

"The situation is the same when it comes to drugs. Both drugs and arms are being smuggled from across the border. Nothing is being done," he added.

Commenting on the ongoing energy crisis and its economic impact, Cheema said rising fuel costs and power-related challenges were putting pressure on both businesses and farmers across Punjab.

"Running a business has become difficult, and the heavy use of diesel in farming is placing a massive burden on farmers. Fuel prices are rising, and this is driving up the cost of everything else. Now, during this time of crisis, the government should bear this burden itself. Attention must be paid to this, as people are already struggling to make ends meet," he said.

The SAD leader also called on the state government to reduce taxes on fuel, arguing that such a move would provide immediate relief to people facing increasing financial strain.

Source: IANS