The North News
Chandigarh, February 25
Punjab Cabinet Minister Aman Arora has hit back at Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, urging him to address corruption within Congress before levelling allegations against the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Speaking in the Punjab Assembly, Arora cited a retired Enforcement Directorate officer’s claims that a 2020 probe into an illicit liquor case—linked to the deaths of 130 people—was halted after implicating 10 Congress MLAs, a minister, and associates of the then Chief Minister.
Calling Bajwa’s accusations “a case of the pot calling the kettle black,” Arora challenged him, saying, “Our intention is pure, and we are open to investigation by any committee.” He reaffirmed AAP’s commitment to zero tolerance for corruption, irrespective of political affiliations, and warned that baseless allegations erode public confidence in governance.
Arora also defended the Vigilance Bureau’s jurisdiction under the state government, dismissing opposition concerns as double standards. He further supported forming an assembly committee to investigate corruption cases, including those from past regimes.
Highlighting integrity in governance, Arora praised Power Minister Harbhajan Singh who not only rejected a rice gift from a businessman but also ensured a ₹7 lakh bribe taken by an official was returned, warning of legal action if it wasn’t.
