MOHALI: Former Health Minister and senior Congress leader Balbir Singh Sidhu has expressed deep concern over the tragic deaths of 17 people due to the consumption of poisonous liquor in Majitha, Amritsar. He stated that this incident is not only heartbreaking but also a clear result of the Aam Aadmi Party government's negligence, incompetence, and it's nexus with the illegal liquor mafia.
Making serious allegations against the Bhagwant Mann-led government, Sidhu said, "This is the third time in the past three years under the AAP regime that poisonous liquor has claimed innocent lives. This is no coincidence — it is a direct consequence of the government’s apathy towards public safety. The Mann government has allowed the liquor mafia to operate with impunity."
He further stated, "The unchecked sale of poisonous liquor clearly indicates one of two things — either the government is hand-in-glove with the mafia, or it has completely failed in its duty. From Sangrur to Sunam, and now Majitha, these repeated incidents highlight the sheer incompetence of the Aam Aadmi Party."
Sidhu also pointed to the role of AAP leadership, saying, “The roots of the AAP government are tainted by liquor scams — whether it is Arvind Kejriwal or Manish Sisodia. Bhagwant Mann is merely a puppet in their hands. The frequent visits of these former Delhi ministers to Punjab have only emboldened the mafia. From day one, the AAP government has nurtured and shielded these criminal networks. Instead of eradicating drugs, it has become complicit in the drug trade."
He added that no amount of fake publicity by Bhagwant Mann can mask the grim reality on the ground. Holding the government accountable, Sidhu demanded, “The families of the victims must receive proper compensation. A thorough investigation must be carried out, and the culprits must be punished with the harshest penalties. If the government fails to do so, it will only confirm that the liquor mafia is not acting alone — the government itself is complicit."