Punjab BJP President Condemns Suspension of IAS Officers, Alleges Corruption
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has strongly criticized the suspension of two IAS officers by the state's AAP-led government, describing the action as "highly objectionable" and demanding immediate intervention from higher authorities.
Allegations of Corruption in Smartphone Procurement
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh on Sunday, Jakhar revealed that the officers were likely suspended for refusing to "give their consent to the corruption in the purchase of smart phones for Anganwadi workers." He emphasized, "It reeks of corruption. They were suspended for not giving their consent."
The Punjab government suspended IAS officers Kamal Kishor Yadav and Jaspreet Singh on Saturday, reportedly due to an alleged delay in procuring smartphones for Anganwadi workers under the central government's Poshan Abhiyan scheme.
Invoking Constitutional Principles and Demanding Accountability
Jakhar invoked Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel's description of bureaucracy as the "steel frame" of the Indian Constitution, arguing that the central government should protect officers within constitutional limits. "Punjab BJP condemns their suspension in strong words," he declared. "I request the home minister or the Administrative Tribunal to look into the matter. The Punjab chief minister and chief secretary should be held accountable for this."
Jakhar's Comments on India-US Trade Agreement
Shifting focus to international relations, Jakhar praised the recently concluded India-US trade agreement, describing it as beneficial for both India and Punjab. He highlighted that the agreement would boost industrial development in Punjab and create new employment opportunities for youth.
"The Government of India, after careful deliberation, successfully concluded an agreement with the world's largest economy that will promote industrial growth in the country and in Punjab, without causing any adverse impact on the nation's farmers, especially those in Punjab," Jakhar explained.
Protection for Farmers and Dairy Sector
The BJP leader clarified that Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal ensured comprehensive protections in the agreement. "There will be no import of crops such as wheat, rice, maize, or any other produce grown in Punjab from the US," he stated. "Similarly, full protection was ensured for the dairy sector under this agreement."
Criticism of Opposition Parties
Jakhar took aim at both the ruling AAP and Congress parties, urging them to rise above partisan politics. "The leaders of the AAP and the Congress should congratulate the government for this agreement made in the national interest," he said. "However, they failed to play the role of a constructive opposition. The silence of the AAP government itself is proof that the agreement is beneficial."
He challenged those opposing the agreement to base their criticism on facts rather than opposition for its own sake. "Now that the government issued a clear statement assuring that farmers' interests will not be compromised, such opposition holds no meaning," Jakhar concluded.
