CHANDIGARH, April 16, 2026: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab State Media In-charge Baltej Pannu on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), raising serious questions about the party’s past record and recent developments, and alleging that its history reflects a pattern of troubling activities.
In a video message, Pannu said that the period of the Akali-BJP government from 2007 to 2017 left a deep impact on Punjab, citing issues such as illegal drug trade, cable mafia, transport business monopolies and the rise of gangster culture. He alleged that Akali leaders were directly or indirectly linked to several such activities.
Moga Incident Sparks Political Row
Referring to a recent case in Moga, Pannu said that an Akali leader and Municipal Councillor, Jagjit Singh Jeeta, has been arrested on charges of allegedly running a sex racket from his own hotel.
He claimed that during a police raid, several girls were found at the location, including a minor, describing the incident as “deeply disturbing and heartbreaking.” He further stated that the property where the alleged illegal activities took place is owned by the accused himself, raising serious concerns about accountability and misuse of power.
AAP Questions Silence of Akali Leadership
Baltej Pannu questioned why no senior leader from the Shiromani Akali Dal had issued a statement even hours after the arrest.
He asked whether this silence should be interpreted as tacit support for the accused, and said that political parties must take responsibility when individuals associated with them are involved in serious allegations.
Attack on ‘Punjab Bachao Yatra’ and Past Allegations
Taking a dig at the Akali Dal’s ongoing “Punjab Bachao Yatra,” Pannu said that photographs of the accused leader with senior Akali leaders have surfaced during the campaign in Moga.
He questioned the credibility of such campaigns, stating that those allegedly involved in activities that harm society cannot claim to be working to “save Punjab.”
Pannu also referred to a previous controversy in Moga, claiming that names of several Akali leaders had surfaced in an earlier scandal as well, and alleged that such incidents point towards a deeper issue within the party.
Appeal to Public and Government’s Stand
Addressing the people of Punjab, Pannu said that the state needs to be protected from individuals who, driven by personal greed, engage in unlawful activities without hesitation.
He reiterated that the AAP government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, is committed to maintaining law and order and will take strict action against anyone found guilty, regardless of their political influence.
“The government will not spare any criminal, no matter how powerful they may be,” he asserted.
