Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Punjab Finance Minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Harpal Singh Cheema has questioned newly appointed Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh over his political record, asking why he did not publicly raise his voice against the issues of drugs and sacrilege while he was associated with the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Cheema said that during the Akali Dal-BJP government, the drug menace and incidents of sacrilege were among Punjab’s biggest political issues. However, he alleged that Pargat Singh, who was then associated with the Akali Dal, did not speak publicly against either issue.
“People of Punjab have the right to know why the new Congress president remained silent on issues that had a serious impact on the state,” Cheema said.
Cheema Questions Pargat Singh’s Stand on Sacrilege
Cheema also referred to Pargat Singh’s earlier remarks about differences within the Congress over the sacrilege issue.
According to Cheema, Pargat Singh had said that there were two groups within the Congress—one that wanted action against those responsible for sacrilege and another that, according to him, was trying to protect the Badals.
“Today, as the Congress president, Pargat Singh should tell Punjab which group he is leading—the one seeking justice in sacrilege cases or the one protecting the Badals,” Cheema said.
Questions Over Recruitment of 1,158 Assistant Professors
Cheema also raised questions over Pargat Singh’s tenure as Education Minister, particularly the recruitment of 1,158 assistant professors and librarians through the Punjab Public Service Commission (PPSC).
Cheema claimed that Pargat Singh had been asked to ensure that the prescribed legal process was followed in the recruitment, but the process was continued despite objections. He said the recruitment was subsequently cancelled by the Supreme Court.
The AAP leader said the development created uncertainty for the candidates who had gone through the recruitment process.
“Why was the prescribed process not followed? Pargat Singh will have to answer for the decisions taken during his tenure in the Education Department,” Cheema said.
Cheema Targets Pargat Singh’s Record as Sports Minister
Cheema acknowledged Pargat Singh’s achievements as a hockey player and his contribution to Indian hockey, but said his record as Sports Minister should be assessed separately.
He claimed that despite Pargat Singh’s experience in sports and his understanding of the needs of athletes, the sports budget during the previous government remained around ₹147 crore.
In contrast, Cheema said the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government has increased the sports allocation, with ₹1,746 crore provided in the current budget.
He further claimed that thousands of sports grounds and stadiums have been constructed or are being developed across Punjab. He also highlighted government initiatives such as ‘Khedan Vatan Punjab Diyan’, which are aimed at providing greater opportunities to young people in the state.
“Your achievements in sports are respected, but experience alone cannot justify your record as Sports Minister. You know better than anyone how much investment sports and athletes require. So why was the sports budget kept so low during your tenure?” Cheema asked.
AAP Seeks Answers From New Punjab Congress Chief
Cheema said Pargat Singh, after taking charge as Punjab Congress president, would have to answer questions concerning his political and ministerial record.
He said the people of Punjab would seek clarity on Pargat Singh’s role and statements concerning the drug and sacrilege issues during the Akali Dal-BJP government, the recruitment of 1,158 assistant professors and librarians, his tenure as Education and Sports Minister, and his remarks about divisions within the Congress over the sacrilege issue.
The remarks come after Pargat Singh assumed charge as the new Punjab Congress chief, with the AAP leader seeking explanations on several aspects of his earlier political and ministerial record.
