PHAGWARA: Congress MLA and All India Kisan Congress chairman Sukhpal Singh Khaira has strongly criticized Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for their silence on the recent FIR against AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain in the Rs 1, 300 crore classroom construction scam.
In a sharp statement, Khaira questioned why the two AAP leaders, who are otherwise quick to comment on every political development, have chosen to remain silent when their own party members are facing serious corruption allegations.
“Why are Kejriwal and Mann afraid to speak up? Are they fearing an ED crackdown, or are they shielding their corrupt colleagues? Their silence speaks volumes about AAP’s so-called honesty and transparency, ” Khaira said.
The FIR, approved by President Droupadi Murmu, is based on findings from the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) and the Delhi government’s vigilance department, which highlighted inflated costs and irregularities in the construction of classrooms under the AAP government in Delhi.
Khaira alleged that Kejriwal and Mann’s refusal to take a stand suggests one of two things:
• Fear of Central Agencies – The possibility that AAP’s top leadership is afraid of further investigations and action by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
• Internal Rift in AAP – A deeper divide within the party, preventing Kejriwal and Mann from defending Sisodia and Jain openly.
“AAP has always claimed to be the most honest party in India. But today, when their own leaders are caught in a corruption scandal, they are hiding in silence. The people of Delhi and Punjab deserve answers, ” Khaira asserted.
He further demanded that Kejriwal and Mann come forward, clarify their stance, and ensure accountability within their party.
“If AAP truly believes in transparency, let them take action against corruption within their own ranks. Otherwise, their silence will only confirm that they are protecting the guilty, ” he added.
As the political storm brews, the absence of a response from AAP’s top leadership continues to raise suspicions, with critics questioning whether Kejriwal and Mann are genuinely committed to fighting corruption or merely using it as a political slogan.