Youth Akali Dal President and Shiromani Akali Dal Core Committee member Sarabjit Singh Jhinjer launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, saying that instead of ending mining mafia and corruption, the government is actually nurturing them. Jhinjer alleged that contrary to AAP’s tall claims, “goonda tax” and the mining mafia continue to flourish with open political patronage.
He revealed that in the Anandpur Sahib and Nangal areas of Ropar district, crusher owners are being forced to pay a “goonda tax” of ₹4 per foot of sand, allegedly demanded by a man named Inderpal Singh. He reminded that AAP leaders, who once claimed to be “Kattar Imandar”, had promised to eradicate corruption and the mining mafia.
But today, their so-called honesty stands exposed as nothing more than a drama, while the government protects mafias instead of dismantling them. Directly pointing towards Minister Harjot Singh Bains, MLA from Anandpur Sahib, Jhinjer asked whether this extortion by Inderpal Singh is happening without the minister’s knowledge. “If not, then why are the government and the minister silent on this loot?” he questioned.
Jhinjer further recalled Arvind Kejriwal’s promises of saving ₹20,000 crore from mining and another ₹20,000 crore from curbing corruption for Punjab’s development. “In reality, illegal mining of sand and gravel is at its peak in Punjab.
Even AAP’s own ministers have admitted that Punjab has become the hub of corruption and mafia rule,” he said. He added, “In such circumstances, it is our duty to bring the truth before the people.
If we don’t raise our voice today, these ‘Kattar Lootere’ will plunder Punjab and leave it empty.” Appealing to Punjabis, Jhinjer urged, “Stand up against this corruption, extortion, and mafia rule. Join me in bringing the truth to light.”