Former Education Minister and MLA Pargat Singh has demanded legal action against two Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ministers accused of threatening and pressuring a trolley manufacturer businessman for extortion. He said that AAP ministers have crossed all limits of greed and indecency.
Their use of abusive language and intimidation against a businessman is completely unacceptable. He added that such actions by AAP ministers undermine initiatives like “Invest Punjab,” discouraging businessmen from investing in the state.
Pargat Singh strongly condemned the viral audio allegedly involving Punjab minister Hardeep Singh Mundian and former minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, in which they are accused of threatening trolley manufacturer Malkit Singh. He said it is unfortunate for Punjab that AAP ministers are unable to handle power responsibly and are engaging in such behavior. Public representatives, he emphasized, must speak and act with responsibility.
He further stated that AAP ministers seem to believe their government has limited time left, leading them to indulge in looting and exploitation. He also alleged that another AAP minister, Laljit Singh Bhullar, had earlier driven an officer to suicide out of greed.
Now, he claimed, ministers Mundian and Dhaliwal are not only threatening a businessman for extortion but also allegedly using gangsters to intimidate him. Instead, they should have ensured payment to the trolley manufacturer according to his costs. He added that in today’s era of social media, such incidents quickly go viral.
The former Education Minister said that the Punjab government should allow businessmen to operate freely and let officials perform their duties without interference. Businessmen contribute not only to state revenue but also generate employment opportunities for youth. Even a small businessman, he noted, provides jobs to 10–20 people.
He added that as an opposition party, the Congress will continue to stand with businessmen and victims to protect Punjab’s image. Every effort will be made to ensure justice for those affected. He also accused the current government of shielding its ministers while suppressing victims, which he said is harmful for Punjab’s environment.