Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar rebuffed allegations made by AAP MLAs on Thursday, stating his astonishment at their audacity. This response comes in the wake of AAP’s lone Lok Sabha MP Sushil Kumar Rinku and Jalandhar West MLA Sheetal Angural’s decision to join the BJP on Wednesday, amidst claims by three ruling party MLAs that they were offered money to switch sides.
Accusing the BJP of reviving “Operation Lotus” in Punjab to dismantle the Arvind Kejriwal-led party, AAP raised concerns over alleged inducements offered to its MLAs.
Jakhar, addressing reporters, remarked on the audacity of AAP members, criticizing their moral stance while dismissing their claims.
Jalalabad MLA Jagdeep Kamboj Goldy disclosed receiving an offer from Sewak Singh, allegedly representing the BJP, offering Rs 20-25 crore. However, Goldy declined the offer, asserting his loyalty to AAP. Similar claims were made by Balluana MLA Amandeep Singh and Ludhiana South legislator Rajinder Pal Kaur Chhina, reaffirming their commitment to the party.
Meanwhile, Rinku lambasted the AAP government’s handling of law and order issues and the drug crisis in Punjab. Addressing the media, Rinku highlighted unfulfilled promises made by AAP leaders before the 2023 Jalandhar Lok Sabha bypoll, particularly concerning waste management. He urged the media to witness the dire situation in Model Town, Jalandhar, emphasizing broken roads and rampant wastewater overflow.
Rinku also expressed concerns over the prevailing lawlessness, citing ransom calls and the easy availability of drugs in Punjab. He criticized the continued operation of the “cable mafia” in the state, adding to the growing apprehensions among traders.