A major political storm is brewing in Punjab as the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) files serious allegations against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for diverting public money into a Moga rally disguised as an anti-narcotics event. The Monday revelation has SAD appealing directly to Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and the Election Commission for swift action.
Leading the charge, SAD’s Daljit Singh Cheema dissected the event’s anatomy. Despite being chaired by AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal—whose influence doesn’t extend to Punjab governance—the rally guzzled state funds for logistics, transportation, and operations.
“This reeks of electoral maneuvering for 2027,” Cheema asserted. “Political invectives flew thick and fast against rivals, far removed from any drug-war agenda. It’s a textbook case of abusing power.”
Cheema’s plea is unequivocal: initiate cost recovery proceedings against AAP, as the gathering flouts rules on public fund usage. He lambasted the arm-twisting of key officials—the Chief Secretary and Police chief included—for lending legitimacy to partisan proceedings.
Such meddling, he argued, poisons the bureaucracy and jeopardizes democracy. “Force district officers into party service next, and fair polls become impossible,” Cheema cautioned, urging a cleanup before damage spreads.
This clash revives old debates on AAP’s administration in Punjab, two years into its tenure. Critics like SAD portray it as a betrayal of anti-corruption vows, while supporters dismiss the claims as sour grapes from a fading rival.
With no immediate AAP response, pressure mounts for transparency. The Governor and ECI’s stance could define the controversy’s trajectory, potentially reshaping Punjab’s pre-election dynamics and testing the limits of governmental oversight.