Chandigarh, February 25:
The Punjab Assembly witnessed a heated confrontation today over alleged financial demands made under the guise of party funds. The controversy escalated into a major political storm, with opposition leader Pratap Singh Bajwa accusing a Powercom-affiliated organization of soliciting ₹50,000 from junior officials. Following complaints, the Vigilance Department has already registered a case. Bajwa has demanded a House Committee investigation or a judicial inquiry, asserting that this issue warrants a large-scale probe within the Assembly.
Power Tussle: Government Hits Back at Allegations
The allegations provoked a sharp response from the ruling party. Punjab’s Power Minister dismissed the claims and turned the tables on Bajwa, reminding him of corruption scandals from his tenure as a minister—particularly the Tarcoal Scam, in which 18 individuals were named but no action was taken.
Adding to the fiery exchange, Aman Arora, a senior leader from the ruling party, challenged the opposition to pursue any investigation they deemed necessary. He assured full cooperation, emphasizing transparency and accountability.
Financial Transactions Exposed
Arora further disclosed that the Power Minister’s office had already intervened in two cases involving alleged monetary exchanges. In one instance, a businessman from Amritsar reported being approached for a ₹7 lakh bribe through a middleman. Arora claimed that such incidents damage the credibility of political leaders, and strong action is necessary to prevent further misuse of power.
Opposition Stands Firm, Speaker Seeks Middle Ground
Bajwa remained steadfast, insisting on an independent investigation to ensure a fair probe. The ruling party, in response, maintained that the opposition could pursue an inquiry through the House Committee or any other legal channel.
To diffuse the situation, Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan stated that multiple committees already oversee government affairs. He advised the opposition to present their concerns before the Petition Committee for further action.
The controversy has left Punjab politics in turmoil, with both sides refusing to back down. Will an investigation be initiated, or will the issue fade into political oblivion? Only time will tell.
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