Ambala/Chandigarh – The political landscape in Punjab and Delhi has been plunged into a fresh wave of controversy following the registration of two First Information Reports (FIRs) against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak by the Punjab Police. The move, which comes just days after Pathak defected from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has sparked intense allegations of “political vendetta” from opposition leaders.
Speaking to the media in Ambala, Haryana, BJP leader Manjinder Singh Sirsa condemned the police action, calling it a “matter of great shame.” Sirsa alleged that the AAP-led Punjab government is using the state machinery to target political opponents who have recently jumped ship.
The Legal Crackdown
According to reports, the Punjab Police have registered two separate cases against Pathak in different districts. While the specific details of the charges have not been officially detailed in a public statement by the Punjab Police Department, sources suggest the FIRs include non-bailable sections related to allegations of corruption and harassment.
The timing of the FIRs is particularly sensitive. Sandeep Pathak, once considered the “architect” of AAP’s landslide victory in the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, was one of seven Rajya Sabha MPs who recently merged with the BJP. This mass defection significantly weakened AAP’s strength in the Upper House, leading to a bitter fallout between the former colleagues.
Political Reactions and Allegations
The BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have been quick to unite in their criticism of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s administration.
- Manjinder Singh Sirsa (BJP): Sirsa asserted that the raids and FIRs are a direct consequence of Pathak joining the BJP. “It is a matter of great shame that raids are being conducted on Rajya Sabha MPs. Today, two cases have been registered simply because someone chose a different political path,” he stated during his press interaction.
- Ashwani Sharma (Punjab BJP Working President): Sharma echoed these sentiments, claiming that Punjab is being turned into a “police state” where dissent is met with criminal cases.
- Bikram Singh Majithia (SAD): The Akali Dal leader took to social media to question why no such investigations were launched while Pathak was a top strategist for AAP. He termed the transition from “Hero to Zero” as a classic case of selective targeting.
Sandeep Pathak’s Response
In a brief interaction with the media before the news of the FIRs became fully public, Sandeep Pathak maintained his innocence. He stated that he had served the nation with integrity and that the country is “bigger than any party.”
Reports indicate that a Punjab Police team reached Pathak’s residence in New Delhi on Saturday, but the MP had already left the premises.
Context of the Defection
The legal action against Pathak is not an isolated incident. Recently, other defectors have also faced administrative scrutiny. For instance, industrial units belonging to Rajinder Gupta, another MP who moved to the BJP, were recently raided by the Punjab Pollution Control Board.
The AAP leadership has largely remained tight-lipped regarding the specific allegations, with state ministers evading direct questions during recent press conferences. However, party supporters argue that the law is simply taking its course and that no one, regardless of their political affiliation, is above investigation.
What Lies Ahead?
As the Punjab and Haryana High Court and other legal avenues become involved, the focus remains on whether the Punjab Police will proceed with an arrest. With the political temperature rising, this development is expected to dominate the discourse in the region, potentially leading to a prolonged legal and political battle between the ruling AAP and the resurgent BJP in Punjab.
The outcome of these cases will likely have significant implications for the political stability and the “defection culture” currently prevalent in the Indian parliamentary system.
