Political Row Erupts Over Clean Chit to Former Punjab Minister

Punjab : A fresh political controversy has erupted in Punjab following the clean chit given to a former minister in an alleged corruption case. Opposition leader and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has alleged that the Delhi-based Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) lobby exerted pressure to influence the investigation, leading to the exoneration.

The clean chit has sparked backlash across the political spectrum, especially after Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had earlier publicly claimed that he possessed concrete evidence against the former minister. Mann had assured strict action, stating that no one would be spared in his government’s crackdown on corruption. However, the recent development has raised serious questions over the credibility of those claims.

Speaking to reporters, Sukhbir Badal said, “This is a complete U-turn by the Mann government. If the Chief Minister had evidence, why was the case closed? It seems the Delhi AAP lobby interfered and used its influence to save their own.”

The identity of the former minister has not been officially disclosed, but sources suggest the individual was a prominent figure in the previous cabinet and was under the scanner for financial irregularities and abuse of power.

The opposition has demanded transparency and a thorough explanation from the AAP-led Punjab government. Congress leaders also joined the chorus, questioning why the Mann administration was backtracking on its earlier claims of a clean governance model.

Reacting to the allegations, AAP spokespersons have denied any interference from Delhi and insisted that the investigation was carried out as per legal procedures. “The clean chit was based on lack of evidence as per the investigating agency. This is not about politics, but due process,” said an AAP official.

The issue is expected to be raised in the upcoming Assembly session, where the opposition is likely to corner the government on its anti-corruption stance and promises of accountability.

As the political storm brews, it remains to be seen whether the Mann government will provide a detailed clarification or whether the controversy will further intensify in the coming days.