Mon Feb 24 11:37:00 UTC 2025: ## Punjab’s Ruling AAP Facing Collapse, Claims Congress Leader Amidst Corruption Allegations
**Chandigarh, India** – The Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab is facing a potential collapse, according to Punjab Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition, Pratap Singh Bajwa. Bajwa claims over 32 AAP MLAs are in contact with him, hinting at a potential defection. While he insists the Congress will not be involved in bringing down the government, he alleges the BJP is orchestrating the move.
Bajwa’s assertion comes amidst allegations of widespread corruption within the AAP government. He claims billions of rupees have been siphoned off through hawala channels, linked to liquor sales and land use changes, describing the AAP’s governance model as “expert in looting.”
The AAP has vehemently denied these accusations, with AAP leader Neel Garg accusing Bajwa of planning to join the BJP, citing a meeting with senior BJP leaders in Bengaluru. Garg urged Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to investigate Bajwa’s actions.
The accusations against the AAP government come on the heels of its recent electoral defeat in Delhi and mounting pressure from the opposition. In a preemptive move, the Punjab government has launched a large-scale anti-corruption drive, resulting in the dismissal of 52 police officers and the suspension of a senior IAS officer. This crackdown, however, has not quelled the ongoing political turmoil. The situation remains tense, with the future of the AAP government hanging in the balance.
First Piper 