Chandigarh: Senior Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, appeared before the Mohali Cyber Crime Police on Tuesday in connection with an FIR registered over his recent remark that “50 bombs have reached Punjab,” a statement that sparked controversy and drew the ruling AAP government’s ire.
Bajwa, accompanied by Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and a large contingent of party workers, arrived at the police station amidst sloganeering and a sit-in protest staged outside against what the Congress termed as a “political vendetta.”
The FIR, filed under Sections 197(1)(d) and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, accuses Bajwa of spreading false and provocative information that could endanger national unity and incite enmity.
Despite being allowed inside with only his legal counsel, Bajwa remained defiant. “I am not scared of Mann. If I remain alive, you (Mann) be prepared,” he told reporters before heading in, alleging that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is misusing state machinery to suppress dissent.
Congress leaders across the board expressed solidarity with Bajwa. Party president Mallikarjun Kharge and senior leader Rahul Gandhi were reportedly in close touch with the Punjab unit. Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi also criticized the AAP-led government, stating that Mann should have handled the matter with more dignity rather than ordering police action.
Warring accused the AAP government of creating a “jungle raj” in the state, adding, “Instead of taking action against rising crimes, the government is targeting opposition leaders who speak out.” He warned police officers against yielding to political pressure, saying the Congress would remember every name responsible for “intimidating” party members.
Meanwhile, Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also condemned the FIR, calling it a tactic to silence the opposition and a reflection of the worsening law and order in Punjab.
Bajwa clarified that his controversial statement was based on a newspaper report and stressed that his concern was for the safety of every Punjabi. “Blasts are taking place, extortion calls are being made. If Mann knew what Punjab went through till 1993, he would understand the gravity,” he said.
The Congress veteran also questioned the AAP’s own legal defense when top leaders faced cases. “Did Kejriwal or Sisodia come out of jail without lawyers?” he asked.
The political storm has intensified, with the Congress accusing the Mann government of autocratic behaviour, while the AAP defends its decision citing national security concerns.
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