Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
The ongoing infighting within the Punjab Congress has taken a fresh political turn after the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) accused the opposition party of distributing election tickets in exchange for money and alleged a tacit understanding between the Congress and the BJP.
AAP General Secretary Baltej Pannu claimed that during the previous Punjab elections, Congress tickets were allegedly distributed through influential people arriving in luxury vehicles such as Defenders and Fortuners.
Taking a swipe at the party, he remarked that "this time, perhaps even helicopters may be used," suggesting that ticket distribution could become even more extravagant.
Referring to recent allegations made by a leader from Madhya Pradesh, Pannu said accusations regarding the sale of party tickets had once again raised serious questions about the Congress leadership. He also cited remarks made earlier by Navjot Kaur Sidhu, who had publicly claimed that she did not possess ₹500 crore, alleging that such an amount was required to secure the Chief Minister's post. Pannu questioned who was arranging such huge sums of money and for whom.
The AAP leader also targeted senior Congress leader and Gurdaspur MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, alleging that his recent meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah had political significance. Although Randhawa has maintained that the meeting was held for another purpose, Pannu claimed that political developments behind the scenes were well known.
He further alleged that Congress leaders were responding to questions about the BJP's internal affairs, while BJP leaders remained silent, claiming this reflected a growing understanding between the two parties. According to Pannu, the BJP already has a "Congress wing" comprising leaders who have crossed over from the Congress, adding that more leaders are preparing to switch sides.
Responding to Congress' criticism that the AAP is controlled by leaders from Delhi, Pannu said national political parties naturally take key decisions from their central leadership. He questioned whether Congress leader Rahul Gandhi or other senior leaders operated exclusively from Punjab, arguing that decision-making at the national level was common for all major parties.
Pannu further claimed that despite projecting themselves as champions of Punjab's interests, many Congress leaders may not remain in the party for long. He alleged that negotiations were underway between the Congress and the BJP and claimed that once these were completed, several Congress leaders would join the BJP.
The Congress has not yet responded to Pannu's latest allegations.
