I.N.D.I.A in Peril as Congress & AAP Clash Over Punjab Cong MLA’s Arrest

New Delhi: The Congress party has slammed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab following the arrest of MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira in connection with a 2015 drugs case. They accused the AAP of engaging in “politics of revenge” and attempting to stifle opposition voices.

Despite both Congress and AAP being part of the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA), tensions have escalated between the two parties, particularly in Delhi and Punjab, where AAP holds power.

Khaira’s arrest by the Punjab Police took place early in the morning at his residence in Chandigarh. In a Facebook live video, Khaira was seen arguing with the police team and demanding to see the arrest warrant.

Congress spokesperson Supriya Shrinate expressed her disapproval, stating, “Kisan Congress President Sukhpal Khaira ji’s arrest is proof of the politics of revenge by the Punjab government. This step of the Aam Aadmi Party government is an attempt to suppress the voice of the opposition. This is completely wrong, and we stand with Sukhpal ji.”

The Punjab Congress, including state unit chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, strongly condemned Khaira’s arrest, labelling it as a political vendetta.

The AAP government, however, defended its actions, asserting that Khaira’s arrest was carried out in accordance with the law.

Warring visited Khaira’s residence after the arrest, expressing solidarity with the MLA. He questioned the Punjab Police’s investigation that led to Khaira’s arrest after eight years and raised concerns about the absence of Chandigarh Police during the operation.