Punjab Police Files FIRs Against Former AAP MP Sandeep Pathak Amid Claims of Political Vendetta

The political landscape in Punjab has taken a dramatic turn as the Punjab Police have filed two first information reports (FIRs) against Sandeep Pathak, a Rajya Sabha MP who recently left the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). This development comes just days after Pathak, along with six of his fellow MPs, made headlines by announcing their departure from AAP, fueling speculations of a growing rift within the party.

Sources indicate that the FIRs have been registered under non-bailable sections, raising concerns about the serious nature of the allegations against Pathak. However, specific details regarding the cases remain elusive as the Punjab Police have not provided an official statement. The uncertainty surrounding the reasons for these FIRs is adding to the political tension, especially considering the AAP’s current governance in Punjab.

Following the filing of the FIRs, reports surfaced that the police are making efforts to apprehend Pathak. He was spotted leaving his residence in Delhi over the weekend, where he faced questions from journalists about the legal actions taken against him. The atmosphere has become charged with accusations from the BJP that the AAP leadership is targeting defectors as a means to regain control and suppress dissent within their ranks.

BJP spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla has publicly condemned the timing of the FIRs, characterizing them as an example of “vendetta politics.” He criticized AAP leaders, including party chief Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, for allegedly misusing law enforcement as a tool to settle political scores. Poonawalla raised questions regarding the delay in filing these cases, challenging why no action had been taken previously if there were longstanding grievances against Pathak.

The current situation reflects the increasingly fraught nature of political alliances and rivalries in Punjab. As AAP struggles to maintain its influence following significant defections, the BJP appears to be capitalizing on this turmoil, positioning itself as a formidable opposition force. As the situation unfolds, the implications for both parties and the political climate in Punjab will be closely monitored by analysts and the public alike.

Source: scroll.in