Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab President Aman Arora, replying to LoP Pratap Singh Bajwa in the Vidhan Sabha today, addressed baseless allegations of corruption and reiterated AAP’s unwavering commitment to clean and transparent governance.
Highlighting the sequence of events surrounding the vigilance FIR that Bajwa mentioned, Arora clarified that neither AAP nor its leaders are implicated. He underscored the party's dedication to justice and integrity, emphasizing his duty to defend honest colleagues and hold wrongdoers accountable.
“I stand here with utmost sincerity to state that our party and its leaders have always upheld honesty and accountability. False narratives and baseless allegations cannot deter us from our commitment to serve the people with integrity.
If my colleague is honest, I will defend them. If anyone, regardless of position, engages in wrongdoing, it is my duty to stop them. Governance requires truth, transparency, and courage, and AAP will not shy away from delivering this to the people,” Aman Arora stated.
Arora also condemned the politicization of issues for personal agendas, calling on all parties to refrain from mudslinging that undermines public trust. He also supported the opposition's demands for formation of judicial or house committees to probe allegations of corruption, drug trade, and mining, urging them to focus on meaningful action instead of baseless accusations.
Arora also strongly condemned the hypocritical stance of Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa, who has conveniently chosen to ignore the dark history of his own party in Punjab. The tragic deaths of over 130 individuals in Tarn Taran due to illicit liquor under the Congress regime remain a grim reminder of the unchecked corruption and negligence during their rule.
Even the Retired Enforcement Directorate (ED) had flagged the involvement of a Congress minister, 10 MLAs, and close associates of then-CM Captain Amarinder Singh, but no action was taken. Bajwa’s sudden outrage is nothing but political theatrics to distract from the deep-rooted failures and criminal negligence of his party, which cost innocent lives.
Punjab Minister Harbhajan Singh ETO addressed allegations against him with factual clarity. Harbhajan Singh recounted how he had immediately directed officials to ensure the return of funds collected wrongfully and demanded action against those responsible.
“As a minister, my duty is to serve with honesty and transparency. When informed about irregularities,” he said. ETO mentioned corruption allegations against Congress and its leaders and said that they should also address those matters.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema also spoke strongly against the opposition’s tactics, emphasizing the need for responsible and constructive politics. “Instead of leveling baseless accusations, the opposition should focus on strengthening governance and public welfare. AAP has set an example of honest governance, and no amount of false propaganda can shake our resolve,” Cheema stated.