Politics
Rahul Gandhi Demands Cheema's Resignation, Alleges Torture of AAP Critics Ahead of Punjab Polls
With Punjab elections approaching early next year, the Congress party has intensified its criticism of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in the state. On Wednesday, Congress MP and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, accused the Bhagwant Mann-led administration of responding to criticism with threats and torture. Gandhi called for the resignation of Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and demanded that an FIR be registered naming him.
In a post on X dated September 9, 2026, Gandhi wrote that a dangerous pattern was emerging under the AAP government in Punjab, where questioning government failures results in threats and torture. He cited the case of Gulzar Singh, a member of the Dalit community whose son had fallen victim to drug addiction. According to Gandhi, Singh had merely asked the Finance Minister why the government had failed to curb the drug trade in the state.
Gandhi alleged that Singh was tortured and humiliated for asking this question and was pressured to apologise. He stated that Singh eventually consumed poison and, after being shuttled between hospitals without proper treatment, ultimately died.
Gandhi also referenced a conversation he had last week with a young man named Mohanjeet Singh, who he said was tortured for protesting against Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
Gandhi argued that the government has an obligation to respond to the people rather than suppress those who raise questions. He reiterated his demand for Cheema's resignation, called for an independent investigation into the matter, and insisted that Cheema's name be included in the FIR.