Punjab government faces corruption and debt allegations

Political tensions are rising in Punjab as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government faces allegations of corruption and financial instability. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has sought the registration of a criminal case against Rajbir Singh Ghuman, an Officer on Special Duty to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, along with businessman Nitin Gohal and Bir Devinder. The agency alleges that Ghuman led a network used to influence the transfers and postings of government officials, including IAS and IPS officers, and potentially facilitated arms licenses and government approvals in exchange for benefits.

Separately, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has criticized the state government’s economic management. BJP President Kailash Singh Dhillon claimed that Punjab’s debt has increased from approximately ₹28 lakh crore to around ₹45 lakh crore during the current administration's tenure. Dhillon highlighted that state institutions, such as Powercom and the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA), are increasingly relying on heavy loans to meet their needs, which he characterized as a sign of deteriorating financial health.