In a significant development from Bathinda, Aam Aadmi Party's (AAP) legislator Sukhbir Singh Misaerkhana, who represents the Maur constituency, has taken decisive legal action against Nagar Council President Karnail Singh. The MLA has formally served a legal notice demanding a public apology for bribery allegations leveled against him, setting a strict 15-day deadline for compliance.
Legal Notice Demands Apology or Faces Defamation Suit
The legal notice explicitly states that if Karnail Singh fails to issue an apology within the stipulated timeframe, Misaerkhana will initiate a defamation lawsuit seeking damages of Rs 5 crore. This move comes as a direct response to accusations made during a Republic Day event in Maur town, where Karnail Singh publicly alleged that the AAP MLA had accepted Rs 30 lakh from him in exchange for securing the top position in the Nagar Council.
Allegations Called Politically Motivated Conspiracy
On Wednesday, Misaerkhana addressed the media, vehemently denying all charges and characterizing them as part of a calculated conspiracy. The MLA asserted that these allegations were strategically timed to defame his reputation and cause political damage ahead of the upcoming urban local body elections. He emphasized that the accusations were completely baseless and designed to undermine his political standing.
Misaerkhana expressed deep distress over what he described as false and fabricated claims, specifically mentioning two primary allegations: that he appointed Karnail Singh as Nagar Council president through improper means, and that he sold the ticket for the byelection following the death of Karnail Singh's wife. The MLA stated he has experienced significant mental anguish due to these unsubstantiated charges.
Challenges Accuser to Provide Evidence
The AAP legislator challenged his accuser to produce any concrete evidence supporting the bribery allegations. "If Karnail Singh possessed any legitimate proof to substantiate these serious accusations, he should have presented it rather than making public statements without foundation," Misaerkhana told TOI. He maintained that the allegations were entirely politically motivated and lacked any factual basis or supporting documentation.
This legal confrontation highlights the intensifying political tensions in Bathinda as elections approach for urban local bodies. The situation underscores how allegations of corruption and impropriety have become potent weapons in political battles, with significant legal and reputational consequences for those involved.
