The resignations of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLAs Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra and Chetan Singh Jauramajra have triggered fresh political turmoil in Punjab, with the two legislators explaining their decision to part ways with the party by launching a blistering attack on its leadership and the Bhagwant Mann government.
They also questioned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s government over its failure to deliver on several key electoral promises. They raised issues ranging from the drug menace and corruption to deteriorating law and order, farmers’ concerns, employees’ dues and shortcomings in education and healthcare. The strongest criticism was directed at the government’s promise to make Punjab drug-free and corruption-free. On corruption, they alleged that bribery continued in tehsil offices, police stations and other government establishments. Citing controversies involving former minister Vijay Singla, Sanjeev Arora and other cases, they questioned whether the government was following uniform standards while dealing with corruption allegations. Dalit welfare, scholarships, political representation, the unfulfilled promise of a Dalit Deputy Chief Minister and cases of atrocities against Dalits were among the other issues raised. The legislators also questioned the government’s failure to ensure punishment for those responsible for sacrilege incidents.
Explaining the reasons behind their revolt, the MLAs said the party has moved away from the promises on which it had sought the mandate of Punjab’s people. The legislators questioned how the state continued to struggle with the sale of “chitta”, alleged home delivery of narcotics and the destruction of families due to addiction despite AAP being in power for more than four-and-a-half years.
