Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Sunday, 27 July accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of shielding two of its ministers implicated in paper leak and examination cheating scandals, calling it 'clear evidence that it is patronising corruption and dishonesty.' The remarks sharpen BJP's political offensive against the ruling AAP in Punjab ahead of mounting public anger over the state's recruitment processes.

Key Accusations Against AAP Government

Dhillon alleged that AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal — who once mobilised youth protests in Delhi — has chosen 'complete silence' on the paper leak and cheating scandals unfolding in Punjab. He argued that this silence, combined with the government's refusal to hold ministers accountable, amounts to institutional protection of wrongdoing.

The BJP chief drew a pointed contrast with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who resigned from his post citing students' interests and moral accountability. Dhillon said Pradhan's decision would be remembered as a benchmark of ethical governance, while Punjab's ministers, by contrast, are refusing to accept any responsibility.

Faridkot Pharmacy Exam Scandal

Referring specifically to the Faridkot pharmacy examination cheating scandal, Dhillon said the futures of hundreds of students had been compromised. He asserted that the Punjab government cannot escape accountability merely by punishing those who facilitated the cheating — a move he characterised as insufficient and deflective.

He demanded the immediate resignation of state Health Minister Balbir Singh and Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains, holding both morally responsible for the breakdown in examination integrity.

Group-B Paper Leak in Bathinda

Dhillon also cited the Group-B paper leak case in Bathinda, noting that despite six months having elapsed since the incident, the investigation has reportedly failed to reach any meaningful conclusion. He alleged that the AAP government bears full responsibility for jeopardising Punjab's youth employment prospects and pushing the state's recruitment processes into sustained controversy.

BJP's Broader Charge on AAP's Governance Record

The state BJP chief alleged that incidents of corruption, paper leaks, and recruitment scams have increased steadily under the AAP government — a charge the ruling party has not publicly responded to as of this report. He said Punjab's youth are now demanding direct accountability from the state administration.

This is not the first time AAP's Punjab government has faced scrutiny over examination irregularities. Critics argue that the pattern of recurring scandals, combined with slow investigative progress, signals a deeper systemic failure in the state's recruitment and examination machinery. With the BJP intensifying pressure, the AAP government faces a credibility test on one of its core campaign promises: honest and transparent governance.