Sukhpal Khaira Slams FIR Against Bajwa, Accuses AAP Govt of Silencing Dissent

• Apr 15, 2025

Senior Congress leader and Bholath MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira has strongly criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over what he described as a baseless and politically motivated FIR against Leader of the Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa. The FIR was registered after Bajwa publicly raised concerns over Punjab’s law and order situation, which Khaira said was a legitimate act of accountability in a democratic setup.

Calling the move an assault on democratic rights, Khaira stated, “This is not just about Bajwa. It’s an attack on the fundamental right to freedom of speech. In any functioning democracy, the Opposition has a duty to question the government — but in Punjab today, those who speak up are being criminalized.”

Khaira accused the Mann-led government of misusing police powers and state machinery to suppress dissent, saying Punjab is fast turning into a “police state” where criticism is met with intimidation. He termed the FIR a clear example of political vendetta and claimed it further validates the Opposition's concerns about AAP’s authoritarian tendencies.

“The government is dodging accountability by targeting critics instead of addressing genuine concerns about governance and public safety,” he added. Khaira emphasized that such oppressive tactics would not deter the Opposition from performing its duty. “If speaking the truth is seen as a crime, then every conscientious citizen must be prepared to stand up. We will not be silenced,” he declared.

Khaira also urged civil society, the media, and democratic institutions to take note of what he called a growing attempt by the AAP government to stifle opposition voices and weaken the democratic fabric of the state.