Opposition raises fresh corruption charges against Punjab government
Senior Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia on Monday alleged a widespread corruption network operating from the Punjab Chief Minister’s Office and urged a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. The charge was made at a press conference held in New Delhi and is based, Majithia said, on a communication he said had been received from the Enforcement Directorate (ED) addressed to the Punjab Director General of Police (DGP).
Majithia claimed the ED letter identified several individuals — including an Officer on Special Duty (OSD) to the Chief Minister — and linked them to irregularities in land matters, transfers and postings, licences for arms and alleged improprieties in the functioning of state development authorities. He said that despite the ED having allegedly flagged the issue, no case had been registered in Punjab about ten days after the communication.
“The letter sent by the central agency has exposed the alleged nexus. Instead of taking action against the accused, the government and its DGP are allegedly engaged in covering up the crime,”
The complaint, as outlined by Majithia, names Rajveer Ghuman — described as the CM’s OSD — along with several other individuals including Nitin Guhal, Veer Davinder Singh, Jitin Gohal and Raja Mahajan. The SAD leader asserted that the matter went beyond routine irregularities and pointed to an organised system influencing appointments, land allocations and regulatory approvals.
Areas reportedly implicated
Majithia linked the allegations to decision‑making and transactions affecting several state agencies and development bodies. He specifically named the following areas as being impacted by the alleged nexus:
- Transfers and postings of government officials;
- Land disputes and allocations involving state development authorities;
- Licensing for arms and related permissions;
- Activities within agencies such as PUDA, GMADA and GLADA.
| Named individuals / entities | Alleged link |
|---|---|
| Rajveer Ghuman | OSD to CM — alleged role flagged by ED |
| Nitin Guhal, Veer Davinder Singh, Jitin Gohal, Raja Mahajan |
Named in communication alleging network participation |
| PUDA, GMADA, GLADA | Development authorities cited in connection with land and planning matters |
Demand for central probe and alleged inaction
Majithia urged a CBI investigation into the matter and criticised the Punjab administration, including the state DGP and Chief Secretary, for not taking what he described as prompt action after the ED communication. He alleged that the delay amounted to a cover‑up rather than independent enquiry and insisted that only a federal probe could ensure impartiality and uncover the extent of the purported racket.
The SAD claims also underline an ongoing political confrontation between the party and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab. The party frames these allegations as not only corruption concerns but also issues that touch upon institutional functioning and public trust in state agencies responsible for urban planning and regulatory oversight.
What this means for Punjab administration
If the allegations lead to formal action by investigative agencies, several administrative and legal implications could follow — from criminal inquiries to departmental probes and possible suspension or reassignment of implicated officers. For farmers, landowners and developers — stakeholders who routinely interact with bodies such as PUDA and GMADA — any disruption in authority or prolonged investigations could slow approvals and affect ongoing projects.
At present there has been no official confirmation from the Punjab government, the state DGP or the Chief Secretary about registration of any case based on the ED communication described by Majithia. The claims, as presented at the New Delhi briefing, remain allegations until independent agencies act or provide verified updates.
Political observers note that opposition parties commonly pursue corruption narratives to highlight governance failures, while ruling parties often counter such charges as politically motivated. In this instance the SAD has sought to elevate the matter to a central probe, signalling its intent to keep pressure on the state administration in the run‑up to future electoral contests.
What to watch next:
- Whether the Punjab DGP or Chief Secretary register an FIR or order an internal inquiry;
- Any formal response or rebuttal from the AAP state government regarding the named persons or the alleged ED communication;
- Movement by central agencies — ED or CBI — if a request or reference is received or if they decide to act independently.
The matter remains fluid and will be monitored for official developments and responses from the state administration and investigative agencies.
