Patiala, May 12
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader and chief spokesperson Advocate Arshdeep Singh Kler on Tuesday launched a sharp attack on the Punjab government following the recent CBI raid at the Punjab Vigilance Bureau headquarters, alleging that the incident had exposed deep-rooted corruption within the state administration.
Reacting to the late-night raid conducted by the Central Bureau of Investigation, Kler said it was shameful that a central agency had to carry out an operation within a department functioning directly under the Punjab government. He alleged that the personal assistant of a senior Punjab Vigilance Bureau official remained absconding in connection with the case.
Kler said the Vigilance Bureau, which was meant to curb corruption in Punjab, was itself facing allegations of corruption. Comparing the situation to a “cloudburst over the office of the Meteorological Department,” he claimed the development had seriously damaged the credibility of the state government and its anti-corruption claims.
The Shiromani Akali Dal leader further alleged that the incident reflected administrative failure and questioned the functioning of the Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He said the Chief Minister should resign on moral grounds in view of the allegations and the ongoing investigation.
The CBI raid at the Punjab Vigilance Bureau headquarters has triggered fresh political reactions in the state, with opposition parties intensifying attacks on the ruling government over allegations of corruption and misuse of power.
