PHAGWARA: Strongly condemning the arrest of senior Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) leader and former minister Bikram Singh Majithia by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, Akali leaders from the Phagwara Assembly constituency accused the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of political vendetta and misuse of power.
Addressing the media, urban constituency in-charge Ranjit Singh Khurana and rural in-charge Rajinder Singh Chandi said the manner in which the arrest was made—without any warrant or prior notice—was nothing short of state-sponsored intimidation.
“It is deeply unfortunate that a former cabinet minister’s residence was stormed early in the morning without legal procedure, solely to create an atmosphere of fear, ” said Khurana. “If there truly was a case of disproportionate assets against Majithia, a formal notice or summons should have been issued. This clearly shows that the government intends to silence the opposition using the threat of police action.”
Calling Majithia a fearless leader who has always stood up for Punjab’s interests, the Akali leaders expressed confidence that he would continue to raise his voice against injustice despite the government’s pressure tactics.
They further alleged that the AAP government is in a state of panic and has resorted to vindictive politics. “The people of Punjab are witnessing state-sponsored goondaism. Voices raised against the government are being crushed, ” said Chandi. “The low voter turnout in the recent Ludhiana bypoll—nearly 50%—is a testament to public disillusionment. While this was not an election to change the government, 2027 will be a different story. AAP candidates will lose their deposits.”
The leaders also reminded the public that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had once apologized to Majithia over similar allegations in the past. “The AAP government in Punjab has now crossed all limits. The public is fully aware of their misdeeds, ” they concluded.