Raghav Chadha Accuses Punjab Government of Political Vendetta
Raghav Chadha's Allegations Against Punjab Government
Raghav Chadha has accused his former party of engaging in retaliatory politics, claiming that sources have informed him he may be the next target. Recently, Chadha, along with six other Rajya Sabha MPs, left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On Tuesday, he met with President Droupadi Murmu alongside MPs Sandeep Pathak and Ashok Mittal, expressing concerns over actions taken against certain MPs by the Punjab government led by AAP.
Concerns Raised Over Government Actions
In a conversation with the media, Chadha stated that they informed the President about the Punjab government's use of state machinery for dangerous retaliatory politics against MPs who switched from AAP to BJP. He further mentioned that, according to sources, he is likely to be the next target. Reports of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) conducting raids on a major textile company linked to MP Rajinder Gupta and the filing of two FIRs against MP Sandeep Pathak surfaced shortly before these allegations.
Assurances from the President
Chadha also noted that during the meeting with President Murmu, assurances were given regarding the safety of newly appointed BJP MPs who have been targeted by AAP. He stated that the President assured them of their safety and the protection of the Constitution. Chadha highlighted that they informed the President about how the Punjab government is misusing state resources against MPs who have left AAP for BJP.
Further Allegations Against AAP
He mentioned that AAP activists, with the help of Punjab police, labeled World Cup winner Harbhajan Singh as a 'traitor' outside his residence. Subsequently, the water connection to the factory of Padma Shri Rajinder Gupta was cut off. Chadha accused AAP of filing false and fabricated FIRs against Sandeep Pathak and spreading rumors through the media about his potential arrest. He warned that AAP has initiated a dangerous game of revenge with the help of the vigilance board and pollution board, which could have severe consequences.
Sandeep Pathak's Support
After the meeting, MP Sandeep Pathak echoed similar claims. As previously reported, two non-bailable cases were filed against Pathak in Punjab, although there has been no official confirmation from the police or the Rajya Sabha MP regarding the nature of these FIRs. Reacting to his decision to leave AAP, Pathak stated that they chose to exit based on their rights granted by the Constitution, asserting that AAP is attempting to intimidate them through false FIRs. He emphasized their commitment to fighting legally and working in the nation's interest.