Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon on Wednesday demanded the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, alleging that the state was facing a serious moral and constitutional crisis and accusing the AAP government of attempting to mislead Sikh religious institutions.
In a statement, Dhillon referred to recent developments linked to an FIR registered in Gurugram and alleged that Punjab government officials had paid Rs 10 lakh to obtain a fabricated forensic report. He claimed the alleged act amounted to an attempt to mislead the Panth and undermine the sanctity of religious institutions.
The BJP leader said the issue had raised serious questions about the functioning of the state government and asserted that Punjab’s honour and the dignity of Sri Akal Takht Sahib were above political considerations. He maintained that recent developments had further intensified concerns surrounding the controversy.
Targeting the ruling Aam Aadmi Party, Dhillon also questioned the silence of AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal. He alleged that Kejriwal had earlier come out in support of Mann but was no longer responding to the controversy despite the latest developments.
Dhillon called upon ministers, legislators and government officials to act according to their conscience and uphold the dignity of Punjab and its institutions. He alleged that the matter had moved beyond a political dispute and now involved issues of public trust and accountability.
Demanding immediate action, the BJP leader said Mann should step down as Chief Minister and sought an explanation from Kejriwal over the allegations. He asserted that the prestige of Sri Akal Takht Sahib was greater than any political office and should be protected at all costs.
The Punjab government had not immediately responded to the allegations at the time of filing this report.