BJP joins chorus demanding Mann's resignation over allegations on wife
What's the story
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has joined the chorus demanding the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. The call comes after allegations against his wife, Gurpreet Kaur, of seeking ₹5 crore to suppress a rape case. Other opposition parties in Punjab, including Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress, have also demanded Mann's resignation.
Investigation underway
NHRC issues notice to Punjab government
The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has issued a notice to the Punjab government and its police chief over these allegations.
The NHRC has sought a report within two weeks.
BJP leader Iqbal Singh Lalpura said, "The NHRC notice is a very serious matter. The allegations are also very serious. Nothing less than an independent investigation will do."
Alleged demand
Complainant alleged retired judge said demand was made
The NHRC proceedings stated, "The complainant alleged that a retired judge publicly stated that a demand of ₹5 crore was made in connection with a rape case, allegedly involving the wife of the chief minister of Punjab."
After these allegations surfaced, Kaur sent a legal notice to former Punjab judge Justice Ranjit Singh.
Meanwhile, Singh has denied making any complaint to the NHRC or receiving a notice from Kaur.
Legal notice
Kaur says ready to face accusations
Kaur responded to the allegations by saying, "It is easy to make allegations and baseless claims, but we are fully prepared to face all such accusations head-on."
She added that anyone speaking against her should get their facts straight or be ready for legal action.
The Shiromani Akali Dal has also demanded Mann's resignation over this controversy.
Political response
AAP women wing chief dismisses allegations as baseless
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) women wing chief Amandeep Kaur Arora dismissed the allegations as baseless.
She said Kaur has sent a legal notice to Singh, asking him to apologize within 24 hours or face legal proceedings.
Arora accused the Akali Dal and BJP of having a political agenda behind these allegations, saying they are "desperate" because the AAP government has done so much work in Punjab over the past four-and-a-half years.