Why Was Punjab AAP MLA Arrested After Criticizing Mann Government Over Flood Issues?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra was arrested under serious charges amidst rising political tensions.
- The Mann government has faced criticism for its handling of the flood crisis.
- Pathanmajra has been vocal against senior officials, calling for accountability.
- The Delhi leadership's actions have raised concerns among party members.
- This incident could impact AAP's performance in the upcoming elections.
Chandigarh, Sep 2 (NationPress) The Punjab Police apprehended Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) representative Harmeet Singh Pathanmajra on Tuesday, just a day after the Mann administration revoked his security detail. In a Facebook video, he shared that the police have charged him under Section 376 in connection with an old case involving his former spouse.
He accused the Delhi AAP leadership of attempting to dominate Punjab and stifling his voice.
Previously, the Sanour legislator publicly criticized senior officials from the Irrigation Department, including Principal Secretary (Drainage) Krishan Kumar, for the worsening flood conditions in the region.
Pathanmajra has also questioned the party's top brass regarding the flood crisis and called for the removal of the implicated officer.
He stated that the officer failed to take necessary measures to desilt and maintain rivers, especially the Tangri river, despite his appeals.
In an earlier video, he urged the government to heed the concerns of the populace or face dire consequences, asserting, "If negligence persists, AAP's position in the 2027 Assembly elections will be precarious... potentially not even able to regain power."
Attributing the floods to Kumar, he noted: "The floods in Punjab can be traced back to his inaction. Had the rivers and canals been desilted timely, the devastation could have been mitigated. He acts as if Punjab thrives solely due to his existence."
The legislator appealed to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to dismiss Kumar, accusing him of manipulating vital departments for years, misleading politicians, and neglecting farmers' issues.
On Monday, Pathanmajra revealed that his security detail of 12 personnel had been revoked, and the station house officers in his area had been reassigned.
"I anticipated this. I informed my personnel yesterday to be prepared. The leaders from Delhi think they can intimidate me... I want to convey to the CM that all MLAs stand with you. If you ignore me now, it will be too late. I have been a loyal soldier of the party. They are acting like dictators. Instead of addressing the officers' issues, they are targeting MLAs. They are sending a chilling message to all MLAs through my situation," he expressed.
Pathanmajra indicated that on the directives of the party's Delhi leadership, the Vigilance Bureau might take action against him for criticizing his own government.