Political Storm: FIRs Against Sandeep Pathak Spark Accusations of Vendetta

In a fresh political controversy, Punjab Police have registered two FIRs for non-bailable offenses against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak. These cases come shortly after Pathak shifted allegiance from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), joining seven other MPs in merging with the ruling faction in the Upper House.

The timing of the FIRs has raised eyebrows, with BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders condemning them as acts of 'political vendetta' against Pathak. Punjab BJP Working President Ashwani Sharma has accused the AAP-led state government of deploying police forces to suppress opposition voices.

In a social media statement, Sharma alleged, 'Punjab has become a lawless state where political vendetta reigns. The quick registration of a non-bailable FIR against Sandeep Pathak after his party switch exposes the fear within AAP's leadership.' The BJP has vowed to combat what it terms as political intimidation through legal and democratic means, denouncing the use of police as a 'political weapon.' Meanwhile, Akali Dal's Bikram Singh Majithia claimed the actions by the AAP as 'selective targeting,' further accusing them of political bias and raising questions about past alliances.

(With inputs from agencies.)