BJP Delegation Meets Punjab Governor, Demands CBI Probe in Warehousing Official's Death
A high-level delegation from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), spearheaded by Punjab state president Sunil Jakhar and working president Ashwani Sharma, convened with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday. The delegation formally submitted a representation urging the governor to recommend a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the alleged suicide case of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, the district manager of Punjab Warehousing in Amritsar.
Jakhar Questions Fairness of State-Led Investigation
Addressing the media after the meeting, Sunil Jakhar expressed deep skepticism about the possibility of an impartial investigation under the current state administration. "When ministers of the ruling government themselves are embroiled in serious allegations, how can the public expect a fair and transparent probe?" Jakhar questioned. He emphasized that the family of the deceased and the citizens of Punjab are united in their demand for a CBI investigation to ensure that justice is served without any political interference.
Jakhar further criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government in Punjab, stating, "Today, it is abundantly clear that while Punjab is crying out for justice, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is preoccupied with campaigning for votes in Gujarat." He recounted telling the governor that confidence in the state government had eroded, particularly after witnessing top officials like the Director General of Police (DGP) and the Chief Secretary participate in political rallies, openly endorsing the chief minister and the AAP.
Accusations Against Congress and Allegations of Political Pressure
The BJP leader also launched a scathing attack on the Congress party. He revealed that in Parliament, a request was made to transfer Gagandeep Randhawa's case to the CBI, to which Union Home Minister Amit Shah agreed, pending a written representation from Punjab's Members of Parliament. "However, even after three days, the three Congress MPs from Punjab have failed to sign the necessary request," Jakhar alleged, accusing the Punjab Congress leadership of being "on the payroll of the Bhagwant Mann government."
Jakhar made serious allegations regarding political pressure, claiming that on the day opposition parties staged a joint protest and attempted to gherao (surround) Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence in Chandigarh, "a very senior Congress leader was contacted late at night." He alleged that the Chief Minister sent an associate, and remarks made to that leader over a speakerphone call were so humiliating that "any sensitive individual, like Gagandeep, would have found them intolerable." Jakhar added, "But these Congress leaders are shameless—such things do not affect them at all." He stated he would disclose the leader's name when he presents the alleged audio evidence.
BJP Acknowledges Legislative Limitations
Despite the strong allegations, Jakhar acknowledged the BJP's limited numerical strength in the Punjab Legislative Assembly. "The opposition also has a constitutional duty to safeguard justice, but our numerical strength in the assembly is very small," he said, referring to the BJP's two MLAs in the 117-member house. "We understand our limitations but will continue to pursue this matter through all democratic and legal avenues available to us."
The case of Gagandeep Singh Randhawa has now become a significant political flashpoint in Punjab, with the BJP intensifying its demand for an independent central agency probe amidst allegations of a cover-up and political misconduct within the state administration.
