Ex-Akali Leader Raided After Joining BJP

Punjab  In a politically charged sequence of events, former Akali Dal leader Harinderpal Singh was raided by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau barely 12 hours after officially joining the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The sudden raid, conducted at his residences and offices, has sparked intense speculation and added a fresh twist to the ongoing tussle between Punjab and Haryana’s political narratives.

The raid, which lasted several hours, was based on alleged financial irregularities and a suspected money trail linked to prominent Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia. According to sources within the Punjab Vigilance, the former Akali leader’s transactions are now under scrutiny, and preliminary findings have raised red flags about possible illicit financial dealings involving political funding and land transfers.

Harinderpal Singh’s shift to the BJP was seen as a strategic move, especially with the upcoming elections. Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Saini personally welcomed Singh into the BJP fold at a function in Karnal, a move that was celebrated as a symbolic strengthening of the party’s base in Punjab. However, within hours, the Punjab Vigilance Bureau swung into action, carrying out simultaneous raids across properties associated with Singh, signaling a strong message from the state government.

The timing of the raid has raised eyebrows and led to a blame game between political parties. BJP leaders in Haryana have labeled the action as “politically motivated revenge” by the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government. “This is a clear attempt to harass and demoralize political opponents. The moment someone tries to leave Akali Dal or AAP and support BJP, they become a target,” said a senior BJP spokesperson.

However, Punjab officials have firmly denied any political motivation behind the raids. A senior vigilance officer stated, “This is purely based on evidence we’ve collected over the last few months. The timing is a coincidence. We have traced suspicious land deals and unaccounted cash transfers linked to the individual. The money trail is under forensic audit, and we are looking into potential connections with Majithia as well.”

Meanwhile, opposition parties are divided. The Congress, while not directly supporting the raid, emphasized the need for transparency and welcomed any action that upholds the law. “If there is wrongdoing, it must be investigated, no matter the party affiliation,” said a Congress MLA from Punjab.

Locals in Singh’s constituency remain confused and cautious. “We’ve seen leaders switch sides before, but a raid within 12 hours is something new. It either means the agencies are very efficient, or there’s a deeper game at play,” said a local resident.

As the investigation progresses, all eyes are on the evidence that the Punjab Vigilance Bureau uncovers. For now, Singh has not made any official statement post the raid, though his aides claim he will cooperate with the investigation. This incident adds another chapter to the ongoing political drama in Punjab and Haryana, where the boundaries of governance and politics often blur, especially during pre-election alignments and defections.