Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Indian origin Khalistani extremist, has alleged that Khalistani groups provided financial backing to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the tune of approximately $16 Million (₹133.54 crore) between 2014 and 2022. Pannun made these claims in a widely circulated video on social media, where he also alleged that Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had purportedly offered assistance in securing the release of Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar in exchange for funds. Bhullar is convicted in the 1993 Delhi bomb blast case, which resulted in nine deaths and 31 injuries.
Pannun asserted that “Arvind Kejriwal and his cohorts, identifying themselves as upright Indian Hindus, have proven to be more perilous than those lacking integrity. Back in 2014, when Kejriwal held no official position, he visited the US and assured pro-Khalistani factions of promptly releasing Professor Devinder Pal Singh Bhullar within five hours of assuming power. At that juncture, Pannun cautioned against placing trust in him. Now, nine years into his tenure, the warning stands validated.”
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Previously in February 2022 just prior to the Punjab elections, a contentious letter purportedly originating from the controversial pro-Khalistan group Sikhs For Justice (SFJ) caused a stir on social media platforms. The letter, widely circulated, suggested that SFJ was endorsing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the assembly elections. Written in Punjabi, the letter’s essence was an announcement of SFJ’s decision to back AAP in the Punjab polls. It stated that the 2022 elections held great significance for both Punjab and SFJ, expressing hope that AAP’s potential victory in Punjab would provide a renewed opportunity to advance their objectives. Signed by Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, the Executive Director of Sikhs For Justice, the letter urged support for AAP to bolster SFJ’s influence.
(Image Credit: IndiaToday)
Notably, Pannun, known for his affiliation with Sikhs For Justice, has previously issued threats against India, including a pledge to disrupt the functioning of the Parliament. However, such threats have fortunately not materialized.
The United States has accused India of involvement in a plot to assassinate the separatist leader. India’s internal investigation, however, has pointed fingers at certain ‘rogue agents’ as the perpetrators of this alleged plot.
In the midst of these controversies, Arvind Kejriwal remains in the custody of the Enforcement Directorate following his arrest in the Delhi excise policy scandal. Despite his plea for protection from arrest being denied by the Delhi High Court, AAP has decided that Kejriwal will continue to serve as the Chief Minister even during his custody. The party has also initiated the “Mai Bhi Kejriwal” campaign as it navigates its strategy for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, with its convenor unable to actively participate in campaigning.
Sources within the Enforcement Directorate have claimed that the phone allegedly used by Kejriwal during the excise policy scandal has gone missing. Additionally, it’s been reported that the agency has explicitly stated in its orders that Kejriwal will not be provided with a computer or paper while in jail.
Opposition leaders have criticized Kejriwal’s arrest, with some suggesting that it was orchestrated to divert attention from the electoral bonds data released by the Election Commission of India on March 21. The data, furnished by the State Bank of India following a directive from the Supreme Court, reveals the BJP as the primary beneficiary of the scheme, which initially faced criticism for its lack of transparency.
(with inputs from Deccan Herald)
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