BJP not afraid of AAP government’s attempts to browbeat its leaders says Sunil Jakhar

Alleges AAP’s double standards; claims its own leaders are being shielded despite corruption charges

* FIR against Sandeep Pathak aimed at diverting attention from CM’s alleged inebriated condition in Assembly
* BJP to meet Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria over CM’s conduct and “vendetta politics” against BJP MPs
* Party warns officials against acting as instruments of political retaliation
* Police protection to “tainted MLA” termed part of efforts to save the Chief Minister’s position

Chandigarh, May 2: Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Thursday said the party is not intimidated by FIRs filed by the AAP government, alleging these actions are meant to divert attention from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s alleged conduct of arriving in an inebriated state in the Assembly.

Jakhar claimed that the bigger concern is what he described as the Chief Minister giving a “free hand” to his MLAs to indulge in corruption. He said the BJP will raise the matter with Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and press for accountability.

The BJP leader alleged that individuals who were earlier praised by AAP leaders are now being targeted after joining BJP, calling it evidence of “double standards.” He further claimed that while BJP MPs are being harassed, the state government has extended police protection to its own MLA facing corruption charges and who has previously been jailed.

Questioning the shift in AAP’s stance, Jakhar said those once considered loyal are being labelled negatively overnight after leaving the party. He alleged this reflects an attempt to pressure remaining members and prevent further defections.

He also accused the Chief Minister of compromising on action against his own legislators to safeguard his position, while adopting a policy of targeting political opponents.

Reiterating that BJP stands firmly with its leaders, Jakhar said the party will oppose any form of “political vendetta.” He also cautioned officials against overstepping legal boundaries while carrying out such actions.

Jakhar added that the people of Punjab are closely observing developments and will respond in the 2027 elections. He asserted that public perception against BJP is changing and that the party offers a strong leadership alternative for addressing the state’s challenges.