Sukhbir Badal Was More Concerned About His Business, Which is Why He Didn’t Entrust Officials with Key Responsibilities: Harjot Bains

Chandigarh, June 22 (WISHAVWARTA):-The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has issued a strong response to Sukhbir Badal’s criticism of delegating authority to the Chief Secretary. AAP leaders accused Badal of engaging in petty politics and deliberately misleading the people of Punjab.

AAP leader and Cabinet Minister Harjot Bains stated, “Sukhbir Badal, who consistently sold Punjab’s rights to benefit his transport, hotel, and other businesses, is now questioning the AAP government. This is utterly absurd.”

He further added, “During his government, Sukhbir Badal needed to operate land mafias and commit large-scale fraud in land dealings, which is why he kept all related powers under his control. In contrast, the AAP government is focused on Punjab’s development and providing better facilities to its people. Therefore, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann delegated this responsibility to the Chief Secretary.”

Bains explained that when the Chief Minister directly held this authority, there were unnecessary delays in various tasks. “Now, such tasks will be completed on time. Our goal behind this decision is to ensure Punjab’s rapid progress and attract more investment to the state. However, Sukhbir Badal does not want to see Punjab develop, which is why he is politicizing this matter,” said Bains.

Challenging Badal, Bains remarked, “This model is not unique to Punjab; it is prevalent across the country. Let Sukhbir Badal present even a single example where such authorities are chaired by a Chief Minister. In every state, these authorities are generally chaired by administrative officers.”

*Sukhbir Badal Didn’t Trust Punjab Police or Officials; Hired Security from Other States: Baltej Pannu*

AAP leader Baltej Pannu pointed out that Sukhbir Badal has no moral authority to speak on administrative matters, given the abuse of power during his tenure.

Pannu said, “Everyone knows that when Harsimrat Kaur Badal was a minister in the Modi government, Sukhbir Badal made multiple trips to Delhi, pleading with Narendra Modi and Amit Shah to secure her position. When the Modi government introduced the three black farm laws, the Badal family initially praised them, and Harsimrat Kaur signed the proposal. However, when the farmers’ protests grew too large, they were forced to resign from the ministerial position.”

Pannu also recalled the rampant corruption and political manipulation during the Badal government. “They promoted drug trafficking for their personal gain, orchestrated the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib, fired upon Sikh congregations in Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan, made political compromises with the Sirsa-based Dera Sacha Sauda by granting it a pardon, and misused around ₹1 crore of the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee’s funds for their personal propaganda. How can they now claim to be well-wishers of Punjab?”

Highlighting Sukhbir Badal’s lack of trust in Punjab Police, Pannu added, “When he was Deputy Chief Minister, he did not deploy Punjab Police commandos for his security. Instead, he brought in police personnel from other states for his protection. In contrast, the Mann government has full faith in Punjab’s police force and administrative officials, which is why senior officers are being entrusted with significant responsibilities. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has complete trust in the people of Punjab, the Punjab Police, and the state’s administrative officials.”