Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today removed his Health Minister Vijay Singla from the cabinet, apparently after strong evidence was uncovered against him, in an unprecedented step. Mr Singla is said to have demanded a 1% commission on tenders. He was detained by the Punjab police’s anti-corruption unit shortly after his departure
After receiving a complaint against the Minister barely ten days ago, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann initiated action. Only the second time in the country’s history has a Chief Minister taken such drastic measures against a cabinet colleague. Arvind Kejriwal, the convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party and Delhi Chief Minister, had already fired one of his ministers on corruption charges in 2015.
Mr Singla’s corruption was reported to the Chief Minister’s office 10 days ago by a government officer. The Chief Minister promised the officer that he would stand by him and that he would not have to fear any Minister. The operation was subsequently carried out with the official’s assistance, revealing that the Minister and others close to him were requesting a 1% commission. Following the collection of call records and other evidence, Mr Mann took action and warned officials that corruption would not be allowed.
“We will not tolerate even one percent corruption,” Mr Mann stated in a video message. “The people elected for an AAP administration with high expectations, and we must deliver.” The great struggle against corruption will continue as long as mother India has a son like Arvind Kejriwal and a soldier like Bhagwant Mann,” he continued. Mr Singla, he continued, had admitted to wrongdoings.
According to the party, the major decision was made in line with Arvind Kejriwal’s anti-corruption strategy.
Mr Kejriwal praised Bhagwant Mann for the decision. “Proud of you Bhagwant. Ur action has brought tears to my eyes. Whole nation today feels proud of AAP,” he tweeted.
The police have been directed to register a case against Mr Singla.
Raghav Chadha, an AAP member, praised the decision, adding that his party is the only one with the courage and ethics to take action against its own leaders.
“On the issue of corruption, the Aam Aadmi Party is the only party with the honesty, guts, and uprightness to take action against its own members.”
It happened in Delhi, and now it’s happening in Punjab.
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