Rahul Gandhi attacks AAP government over worker's death in Punjab
Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp attack on the AAP government in Punjab.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab on Wednesday. He demanded the immediate resignation of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and a fair investigation into the suicide of a villager who had questioned the unrestricted sale of drugs in the state.
Rahul Gandhi alleged that,
“a dangerous pattern” is emerging in Punjab, where those questioning the government's failures are facing threats and harassment. He urged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to demand the resignation of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and ensure an independent and impartial investigation into the matter.
It is noteworthy that Gulzar Singh, a 47-year-old Dalit daily wage worker from Didba in Sangrur district, reportedly died on Monday night after consuming a poisonous substance. The family claims that Gulzar had questioned Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about the ongoing sale of narcotics known as ‘chitta’ during an event held in Didba on September 6.
Rahul Gandhi stated in a post on X that,
“a dangerous pattern is emerging in the AAP government of Punjab. If you question the government's failures, the response will come in the form of threats and harassment. Gulzar Singh, coming from the Dalit community, had to witness his son fall victim to drugs. He had only asked the Finance Minister why the government was so badly failing to stop the drug trade.”
Rahul alleged that,
“he was harassed and humiliated for asking just that much. He was pressured to apologize to such an extent that he consumed poison.”
The Congress leader also claimed that,
“Gulzar Singh did not receive proper medical treatment and was shifted from one hospital to another. He said, ‘In the end, while wandering for treatment, he lost the battle for his life.’” Rahul Gandhi also mentioned another incident involving Mohanjit Singh, who protested against the Punjab government.
He accused Bhagwant Mann, saying that,
“Last week, I also spoke to young Mohanjit Singh, who was harassed for protesting against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He said that the government's job is to answer the people's questions, not to crush those who ask questions.”
Rahul Gandhi demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann immediately take the resignation of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and ensure an independent and impartial investigation into the allegations against him. He also stated that Cheema's name should be registered in the FIR and that Gulzar Singh's family should receive justice soon. The Congress had also held Cheema responsible for Gulzar Singh's death on Tuesday, demanding his removal from the cabinet.
This suicide has intensified the political uproar regarding the drug problem in Punjab. The Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party have ramped up their attacks on the AAP government in the state. The Shiromani Akali Dal has also demanded an investigation into the matter. Based on the family's complaint, a case has been registered against five individuals under Section 108 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to abetment of suicide. Relevant sections of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act have also been invoked in the FIR.
It is noteworthy that a video purportedly showing Gulzar Singh's final moments has gone viral on social media. In the video, he appears to question the Finance Minister about the availability of drugs in the area. Now, this matter has resonated all the way to Delhi. The BJP and Congress have demanded the resignations of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Finance Minister Cheema, alleging that Gulzar Singh was subjected to such pressure that it compelled him to take the drastic step of suicide.
It is significant that this political controversy has emerged ahead of the upcoming elections in Punjab. Previously, another villager from Sangrur was also reported to have been harassed in custody after showing black flags and shouting slogans against the AAP government over the drug issue.