Launching a strong attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Media In-Charge Baltej Pannu on Thursday accused the BJP of misusing central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to threaten, pressure and politically blackmail people into joining the party.
Addressing a press conference, AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu pointed out that across the country, businessmen, university owners and political leaders are first raided or issued notices by central agencies and are later inducted into the BJP, after which no further action is taken against them. “This has become the BJP’s standard political model across the country. First ED and CBI notices are issued, then pressure is created, and later people are told that if they join the BJP, all action against them will stop. The BJP is openly using central agencies for political expansion,” he added.
Referring to Rajya Sabha MP Ashok Mittal, Baltej Pannu said, “Ashok Mittal was raided and later joined the BJP. Similarly, despite pressure and raids, AAP leader Sanjeev Arora did not bow before the BJP, after which he was arrested. In another case, Gaurav Bagga received a CBI notice in connection with the Dalal Krishanu case and within days he was inducted into the BJP by Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar.”
He added, “The BJP is in such haste to expand its party that notices are allegedly issued first and messages are sent later asking people to join the BJP to avoid further action. BJP’s own social media pages show Gaurav Bagga being inducted into the party despite facing a CBI notice.”
Targeting Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar, Baltej Pannu said, “Sunil Jakhar once claimed that the BJP would uproot CM Bhagwant Singh Mann from Punjab politics. But the way BJP is inducting people today clearly exposes its politics of pressure, fear and intimidation.”
Taking on Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu over his recent remarks in Punjab, Baltej Pannu referred to Bittu’s visit to the hospital in Dhuri and said the Union Minister himself recorded videos praising the hospital arrangements, the OPD catering to nearly 600 patients and the NGO-run food services.
Baltej Pannu said, “Ravneet Singh Bittu himself admitted that around 100 people accompanying him were served food there. But after coming outside, he started claiming that there were no patients in the hospital and only stray dogs were present. These contradictory statements expose his political hypocrisy.”
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Questioning the lavish convoy accompanying the Union Minister, Baltej Pannu said, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi repeatedly talks about reducing unnecessary expenditure, but Ravneet Singh Bittu moves around with nearly 50 vehicles in his convoy. BJP leaders should first practice what they preach.”
Condemning Ravneet Singh Bittu’s statement calling CM Bhagwant Singh Mann an “ISI agent,” Baltej Pannu termed the allegation irresponsible and anti-Punjab. He said, “Such statements insult not only a democratically elected Chief Minister but also the entire people of Punjab. Punjabis have always sacrificed for the nation and can never betray the country.”
Raising questions over terror attacks during the BJP-led central government’s tenure, Baltej Pannu said, “The BJP should answer who was responsible for attacks like Pulwama and Pahalgam and why the complete truth behind those incidents has still not come before the people.”
Referring to the Pathankot terror attack, Baltej Pannu said, “During that period, Pakistan’s ISI was even brought into the investigation process. BJP leaders must explain what role the ISI played and whether any report was ever presented before the people of India.”
Baltej Pannu also raised the issue of Aroosa Alam and said, “During the Congress government in Punjab, repeated questions were raised regarding Aroosa Alam’s stay at the official residence of then CM Captain Amarinder Singh and her alleged links with the ISI. Ravneet Singh Bittu was a Congress MP at that time. Why did he remain silent then? The BJP-led central government should now conduct a full investigation into the matter.”
Defending CM Bhagwant Singh Mann, Baltej Pannu said, “CM Bhagwant Singh Mann does not need patriotism certificates from BJP leaders. A person who is tirelessly working for Punjab’s welfare cannot be labelled an ISI agent.”
Highlighting the work done by the Punjab Government over the last four years, Baltej Pannu said, “The Punjab Government has worked extensively in education, healthcare, canal water supply, infrastructure, free electricity, daytime power supply for farmers and free medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh for citizens. BJP leaders should explain how a Chief Minister delivering these public welfare initiatives can be branded anti-national.”
Demanding an apology from Ravneet Singh Bittu, Baltej Pannu said, “Punjabis will not tolerate such insults against their democratically elected Chief Minister without evidence. Ravneet Singh Bittu must either present proof for his allegations or publicly apologise to the people of Punjab.”
