Punjab BJP Accuses AAP Government of Corruption in Verka Supply Chain

Key Takeaways

Serious allegations: The Punjab BJP accuses the AAP government of corruption linked to Verka.

Quality concerns: Indian Army rejects Verka milk powder over quality issues.

Panjiri scam: Potential Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 crore corruption in the nutrition scheme.

Demand for investigation: BJP calls for a CBI inquiry into the alleged scams.

Public health at risk: Concerns over compromised nutrition for children and soldiers.

Chandigarh, March 28 (NationPress) In a fierce criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led government in Punjab, State Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Working President Ashwani Sharma charged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has remained alarmingly silent regarding a multitude of significant scams and irregularities tied to Verka and the nutrition supply chain, which raises serious concerns about public health and rampant corruption.

Sharma pointed out that the recent rejection of about 125 metric tons of Verka milk powder by the Indian Army due to quality issues has once again revealed the deep-seated problems within the system.

"This is not just a singular event but part of a broader trend," he emphasized, referring to prior accusations of chemical adulteration in the milk provided to Verka facilities, various financial discrepancies across different units, and the alarming quality failures raised by the Indian Army.

He also brought attention to the contentious Panjiri (Integrated Child Development Services Nutrition Scheme), which he labeled as a potential scam worth Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 crore.

"Since 2022, the AAP government has transitioned the supply from reliable cooperatives like Verka to private contractors via a dubious tender process. There are serious accusations of rushed approvals, connections between firms, and compromised nutritional quality, including the replacement of ghee with cheaper alternatives like soybean oil. This matter is already under the scrutiny of the Punjab and Haryana High Court," Sharma added.

Accusing Chief Minister Mann of colluding with the milk mafia, lawmaker Sharma stated that merely suspending officials is a superficial response and grossly insufficient.

"When the nutrition of children and the health of soldiers are jeopardized, it is not mere negligence; it is a criminal betrayal," he asserted.

The BJP has called for a time-bound CBI investigation or a high court-monitored inquiry into all scams related to Verka, allegations of adulteration, and the Panjiri controversy to unveil the truth and ensure accountability.

"Punjab deserves transparency, not silence. The people will not tolerate this betrayal," Sharma concluded.

Point of View

Reflecting a critical moment in Punjab's political landscape.

NationPress

4 Jul 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main allegations against the Punjab government?

The Punjab BJP has accused the AAP government of corruption and negligence in managing the Verka supply chain, including quality issues with milk powder and financial irregularities.

What is the significance of the Indian Army rejecting Verka milk powder?

The rejection of nearly 125 metric tons of Verka milk powder by the Indian Army raises serious concerns about the quality and safety of the nutritional supplies provided to the public.

What is the Panjiri scheme controversy?

The Panjiri scheme, under the Integrated Child Development Services, is alleged to involve a scam potentially worth between Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 crore.

What actions has the BJP demanded regarding these allegations?

The BJP has called for a time-bound CBI inquiry or a high court-monitored probe into all related scams and allegations of corruption.

Why is public health a concern in this issue?

The alleged irregularities in the supply chain could compromise the nutritional quality of food provided to children and soldiers, leading to serious public health risks.