Punjab Congress Leader Bajwa Slams AAP Government Over Inaction on Convicted MLA
Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Partap Singh Bajwa, launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government on Tuesday for its failure to disqualify its MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura. Lalpura was convicted in a heinous case involving the molestation and assault of a 19-year-old Dalit girl.
Grave Miscarriage of Justice Alleged
Terming the inaction a "grave miscarriage of justice" and a "direct assault on the dignity of a Dalit girl", Bajwa asserted that the government's silence exposes its double standards on women's safety and Dalit rights. Along with deputy leader of the Congress Legislature Party (CLP) in the Vidhan Sabha, Aruna Chaudhry, Bajwa wrote to Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan on March 13, demanding the immediate disqualification of Lalpura.
Questioning AAP's Claims
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Bajwa questioned, "Why has the AAP government failed to act against one of its own legislators? The AAP's tall claims of championing Dalit empowerment and women's dignity stand completely exposed. Their silence in this case is nothing short of complicity."
Broader Pattern of Shielding Tainted Leaders
Bajwa added that this case is part of a broader and troubling pattern in which the AAP government has repeatedly shielded tainted leaders. He cited multiple instances to support his claim:
- The arrest of an Amargarh MLA by the Enforcement Directorate in a money laundering case linked to a labour scam.
- Removal of former health minister Dr. Vijay Singla over corruption charges.
- Attachment of properties of Mohali MLA Kulwant Singh in a money laundering probe.
- Arrest of Maur MLA Amit Rattan Kotfatta for allegedly accepting a bribe.
Bajwa stated, "This is not governance. It is a systematic normalization of corruption and criminality under political protection. In none of the cases did investigation take place, and no one was held guilty."
Criticism Over Bhagat Singh Resolution
The Congress MLA from Qadian also criticized the government for blocking a resolution seeking the Bharat Ratna for Shaheed Bhagat Singh. He noted that despite repeated attempts by the Congress, the Speaker did not allow it to be tabled in the House. Bajwa said AAP leaders routinely invoke Bhagat Singh's legacy for political mileage, "but their actions betray those ideals."
He added, "They are nothing but 'fake revolutionaries' who remember Bhagat Singh only when it suits their narrative."
Demands for Immediate Action
Demanding immediate action, Bajwa called for:
- The disqualification of Manjinder Singh Lalpura.
- A fair and transparent investigation into all corruption allegations.
- Accountability at the highest levels of government.
He asserted, "Punjab deserves a government that upholds justice, integrity, and the rule of law—not one that shields the guilty and erodes public trust in democratic institutions."
