Bhagwant Mann Controversy: NHRC Seeks Report, Opposition Demands Answers

The BJP has joined the Shiromani Akali Dal and Congress in demanding the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over allegations involving his wife, Gurpreet Kaur. The controversy centres on a complaint alleging that Kaur sought ₹5 crore to suppress a rape case. The allegations have triggered a political confrontation in Punjab, with opposition parties seeking an independent investigation and demanding that Mann clarify his position.

BJP leader Iqbal Singh Lalpura said the matter was serious, particularly after the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) issued a notice to the Punjab government and police chief. The commission has sought a report within two weeks regarding the allegations. According to the NHRC proceedings, the complaint refers to claims that a retired judge had publicly stated that ₹5 crore was allegedly demanded in connection with a rape case involving the Punjab chief minister's wife.

The controversy escalated after Gurpreet Kaur issued a legal notice to former Punjab judge Justice Ranjit Singh, who was identified in connection with the complaint. NHRC member Priyank Kanoongo said the commission had taken note of the allegations and sought information from the state authorities. The NHRC has also directed the Punjab chief secretary and director general of police to investigate the matter and submit a report.

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Opposition parties have intensified their demands for accountability ahead of the Punjab elections. Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring said Mann should immediately clarify the allegations and explain why such claims had been made. The Shiromani Akali Dal has also called for the chief minister's resignation, while the BJP has backed demands for an independent investigation into the matter.

The Aam Aadmi Party, however, has rejected the allegations as baseless. AAP women wing chief Amandeep Kaur Arora said Gurpreet Kaur had already taken legal action against the person who made the allegations. Arora said Kaur had issued a legal notice demanding an apology within 24 hours, failing which further legal proceedings would follow. She also accused the opposition of attempting to politically exploit the controversy.

The dispute comes at a politically significant time, with Punjab heading towards elections and the BJP and Akali Dal expected to contest as allies. The allegations remain subject to investigation, and no conclusion has been established regarding the claims against Gurpreet Kaur. The NHRC's inquiry and the report sought from Punjab authorities are expected to provide further clarity on the allegations and the circumstances surrounding them.

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