After being grilled for his claim that “50 bombs have reached Punjab,” Leader of Opposition (LoP) Partap Singh Bajwa found himself in hot water as the police booked him for providing misleading information that could jeopardize the nation’s sovereignty and unity. The case was filed against Bajwa at the Cyber Crime police station in Mohali under sections 197(1)(d) and 353(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. The Punjab Police’s two-member team visited Bajwa’s residence, prompting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to urge the Congress leader to disclose the source of his alarming statement, questioning whether he had direct connections with Pakistan. Despite the pressure, Bajwa staunchly stood by his claim while refusing to reveal his informants.
Amid escalating tensions, the Congress accused the AAP government of resorting to political vendetta against Bajwa. The party emphasized that public attention should be focused on the grave threat to peace and harmony in Punjab rather than targeting Bajwa. In a scathing response, Bajwa criticized Mann’s administration, accusing it of abusing power for personal agendas. The rift between the two political factions deepened as the controversy unfolded.
The origin of this turmoil stemmed from Bajwa’s assertion during a TV interview that Punjab had received 50 bombs, with 18 already detonated and 32 remaining. Against the backdrop of recent grenade attacks in the state, Bajwa’s claims sent shockwaves through the region. Punjab Police, represented by Assistant Inspector General of Police Ravjot Kaur Grewal and Mohali Superintendent of Police Harbir Atwal, visited Bajwa’s residence to verify the source of his alarming declaration. Despite their efforts, Bajwa remained tight-lipped, leaving the authorities in the dark about the credibility of his information.
Chief Minister Mann, in a stern video message, demanded transparency from Bajwa, pressing him to reveal the source of his information and hinting at possible links with Pakistan. The escalating tensions prompted Mann to warn of strict action if Bajwa’s statement was merely meant to incite panic among the public. The government’s response reflected the gravity of the situation, raising concerns about national security and the potential repercussions of unchecked fearmongering.
As the standoff continued, Bajwa defended his stance, citing personal experiences and confidential sources that alerted him to the looming threat of violence. Drawing on his political background and connections within intelligence agencies, Bajwa underscored the urgency of his warning in light of past terrorist activities in the region. Despite facing pressure to disclose his sources, Bajwa remained steadfast in his refusal, emphasizing his commitment to public safety and constitutional duties.
In the face of mounting scrutiny, Bajwa welcomed the government’s decision to pursue legal action, underscoring his constitutional responsibilities and commitment to upholding public safety. As the Leader of the Opposition, Bajwa reiterated his adherence to ethical standards and the paramount importance of protecting Punjab’s residents. Dismissing the government’s threats as baseless, Bajwa vowed to stand his ground, signaling a protracted battle between political rivals in the volatile landscape of Punjab.
Amid the escalating tensions, Punjab Congress leaders rallied behind Bajwa, highlighting the gravity of recent security incidents and the urgent need for transparency in addressing public safety concerns. The Congress leaders lambasted the government’s heavy-handed tactics and attempts to implicate Bajwa, signaling a broader conflict over accountability and political maneuvering in the state. Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema criticized Bajwa’s handling of the situation, emphasizing the need for cooperation and information sharing to safeguard the populace.
As the political drama unfolded, Punjab found itself at a crossroads, grappling with the fallout of Bajwa’s controversial statement and the ensuing legal battle. The clash of ideologies, personal vendettas, and national security concerns underscored the volatile nature of politics in the region, setting the stage for a protracted showdown between rival factions. Amid the chaos, Punjab stood on the brink, awaiting resolution and accountability in the face of uncertainty and discord.
