Pratap Singh Bajwa Challenges Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann: “Prepare Yourself If I Live” – FIR Filed Over 32 Bomb Claim, Congress Condemns Action.
Punjab Politics: Congress Legislature Party leader Pratap Singh Bajwa has challenged Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stating, "If I live, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should be prepared." This statement followed the Punjab government filing an FIR against Bajwa for his claim about 32 unexploded bombs in the state. The Congress party criticized the government's action, calling it an oppressive tactic.
Bajwa's Statement
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Pratap Bajwa said, "I hold a constitutional position, and if any allegations are leveled against me, I will respond." He also stated that his comments were intended to alert the Punjab government and that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann should prepare himself if he (Bajwa) lived.
Following this statement, Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring reacted, claiming a "jungle raj" prevails in Punjab. Warring alleged the FIR against Bajwa was an attempt to silence him. He further demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Arvind Kejriwal, and the DGP respond as they possess some knowledge regarding the drugs and Goldie Brar cases.
Support from Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge
The party's top leadership expressed support for Bajwa. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to Bajwa on the phone, assuring him of the party's backing.
Bajwa had previously stated in an interview that 50 bombs had arrived in Punjab, 18 of which had already detonated, leaving 32 unexploded. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had questioned Bajwa about the source of this information, leading to the subsequent FIR.
Comments from Former Chief Ministers Channi and Randhawa
Former Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi reacted, suggesting the Chief Minister should have engaged in dialogue with Bajwa instead of targeting him. He described a dark cloud hanging over Punjab and criticized the Chief Minister for not fully understanding the situation before reacting.
Sukhjinder Randhawa issued a ber statement, asserting, "Bajwa's statement is the Congress party's statement. If necessary, the Congress party will fill the jails and oust the Aam Aadmi Party from Punjab."
Bajwa's Open Challenge to the Chief Minister
Bajwa openly challenged Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, stating, "The Chief Minister may never have heard the sound of a gunshot, but we have heard the sounds of bombs." He also questioned the police's method of serving the summons, noting that it was pasted on his door, unlike the approach taken with dismissed AIGs and DSPs in drug cases.
Appearance at Cyber Cell
Bajwa, accompanied by party senior leaders like Raja Warring and Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, along with over two dozen others, appeared at the Mohali Cyber Cell on Tuesday as per the police's 2 PM summons.
