After Punjab minister's arrest, Opposition demands action against 'tainted' AAP leaders
India Today
After sacked Punjab minister's arrest, Opposition parties have demanded action against all 'tainted' AAP leaders in the state.
The arrest of Punjab Health Minister Dr Vijay Singla has opened a pandora's box. Initial investigation showed that the minister had very carefully appointed his two nephews - Pradeep Kumar and Kewal Jindal. While Kumar was made an officer on special duty (OSD), his brother Jindal was also made part of the bribe network.
Pradeep Kumar was asked to collect money from the contractors and the complainant, Rajinder Singh.His brother, Kewal Jindal, was also given certain responsibilities. While Pradeep has already been arrested, the police is also likely to question Kewal Jindal.
Meanwhile, Vijay Singla's arrest has also brought Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's flagship health initiative mohalla clinics under scanner. The minister had allegedly awarded as much as 60 tenders which also included tenders to procure medical equipment for the Mohalla clinics. The government has now decided to screen the entire tendering process to find out whether Singla also received kickbacks while awarding the mohalla clinic tenders.
READ | Punjab minister arrested after CM Bhagwant Mann sacks him over corruption charges
The Opposition Congress has demanded that the audio of the conversation between the minister, OSD and Chief Engineer be made public. It has also demanded action against other 'tainted' AAP leaders.
"Can a case be registered only on the basis of an audio recording? If Singla's removal is transparent, the government should also make the audio clip public. The complaint is a government servant and is the mouthpiece of the government. Only the demand to get money was made," Congress leader Sukhpal Khaira said.
The Congress has also demanded action against three other AAP MLAs, including Bhucho Mandi MLA Jagsir Singh, Patiala Rural MLA Dr Balbir Singh and Gadshankar MLA Jai Kishan Singh Rodi.
