Why Did AAP Suspend Its 'Vocal' MLA?

Chandigarh, June 29 (NationPress) The Punjab ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has announced the suspension of its outspoken legislator from Amritsar (North), Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, for a duration of five years. This decision comes in light of his opposition to the arrest of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, who is embroiled in a case involving the laundering of over Rs 540 crore in drug money.

Party spokesperson Neel Garg defended the suspension, stating that consistently making public statements contrary to party activities is a breach of political decorum and is deemed unacceptable. Kunwar Vijay, a former Punjab Police Inspector-General who joined AAP in 2021 ahead of the 2022 Assembly elections, publicly criticized the government's actions regarding Majithia's arrest.

Last week, the Vigilance Bureau apprehended former Minister Majithia at his residence in an upscale area of Amritsar city. In response, Kunwar Vijay expressed concerns over the government's handling of Majithia's case, stating, 'When Majithia-ji was in jail, the Bhagwant Mann government neither interrogated him nor sought his remand, ultimately allowing him bail.' However, Garg affirmed that the government's actions against Majithia have widespread support.

'For the first time, the people of Punjab feel that the government is genuinely addressing the drug mafia issue. Despite being an MLA, Kunwar Vijay Pratap's public opposition to this action is unacceptable,' Garg emphasized in his media statement. He further asserted that the AAP government is fully committed to eradicating drugs from Punjab.

According to Garg, the Punjab Police is actively targeting drug smugglers and prosecuting them. He condemned Kunwar Vijay's statements as unfortunate and stated that if he had any grievances, he should have raised them within the party instead of going public, which violates party regulations.

'Our objective is clear: to eliminate drugs, crime, and corruption in Punjab. Anyone obstructing this mission will face consequences. There will be no compromise in our fight against drugs,' asserted Garg. He also pointed out that Majithia's arrest is backed not only by public sentiment but also by former police and Enforcement Directorate officials involved in the investigation.

Garg noted that during the Akali-BJP regime, attempts were made to obstruct investigations and shield Majithia from accountability. He accused Akali Dal leaders of providing political protection to drug traffickers, devastating countless families and the futures of thousands of youths in Punjab. 'Now, the AAP government is ensuring justice for those affected by drug trafficking,' he added.

Previously, AAP legislator Vijay Pratap had criticized his party for failing to deliver on its promises related to drugs and sacrilege. He led the Special Investigating Team (SIT) investigating the 2015 Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan firing incidents, as well as sacrilege cases. 'Three years ago, on April 9, 2021, I resigned from the IPS service. Where is justice regarding the Bargari sacrilege and police firing incidents? Despite my efforts, we remain stagnant. I stand firm, and justice will prevail in the court of Guru Gobind Singh,' Kunwar Vijay stated on his Facebook page in April 2024.

'The accused are infiltrating the government apparatus... My struggle will persist, and I am prepared to face all adversities,' he added.

Kunwar Vijay Pratap's entry into AAP was a significant boost for the party during the 2022 Assembly elections, providing them with substantial leverage to challenge both Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress regarding sacrilege issues.