AAP leaders joining BJP fleeing a ‘sinking ship’, Congress has no use for them: Pargat Singh
Congress leaders allege ₹50,000-crore loot of Punjab by AAP leadership, claim scrapping of land pooling scheme prevented potential loss of ₹1.5 lakh crore
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, November 2, 2026: Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee president Pargat Singh on Monday described the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) as a “sinking ship”, alleging that more of its leaders could join the BJP in the coming days. He said the Congress had no need for leaders whose political conduct and record remained under scrutiny.
Addressing a press conference at Congress Bhawan alongside Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa, Pargat said only three AAP leaders had left the party so far, but more defections were likely.
He compared AAP to a “wall of sand” that would collapse as its leaders began moving out. Alleging that some leaders facing questions over mining and other activities were switching to the BJP, he said changing political parties would not absolve them of accountability for their conduct during nearly five years in government.
“The Congress has no need for such ‘silent’ leaders or political material,” Pargat said, questioning the record of those who, he alleged, had remained silent on Punjab’s issues while in power.
Questions Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh’s role
Pargat Singh also questioned the treatment of former police officer and AAP leader Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, alleging that the party had projected him as a prominent face but had not allowed him to work freely during its tenure.
He asked Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh to explain the investigation and action taken in the Maur bomb blast case. Pargat also questioned his position if the BJP entered into an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal in the future.
Congress alleges ₹50,000-crore loot of Punjab
The Congress leaders accused AAP’s national leadership, including Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Satyendar Jain, of exercising undue influence over Punjab’s government.
They alleged that the leaders were responsible for a financial loss of around ₹50,000 crore to the state. The allegation was made at the press conference; no supporting financial breakdown was provided in the statement.
Pargat Singh said AAP had replicated its Delhi model in Punjab, sidelining the state’s political leadership while retaining control of the government from Delhi.
He alleged that Kejriwal was now retreating from Punjab and said Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann would have to answer for the political consequences.
Questioning AAP’s references to Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh, Pargat asked what the party had done during its tenure to uphold the freedom fighter’s ideals and protect Punjab’s interests.
Bajwa claims scrapping of land pooling scheme prevented ₹1.5 lakh-crore loss
Partap Singh Bajwa claimed that the withdrawal of the proposed Land Pooling Scheme, which involved around 65,000 acres, had saved Punjab from a potential loss of ₹1.5 lakh crore.
The Congress leader alleged that the scheme could have resulted in large-scale financial losses to the state. He did not provide a detailed calculation supporting the figure during the press conference.
Congress warns against alleged misuse of central agencies
The Congress leaders also expressed apprehension that the BJP could use the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to exert pressure on opposition leaders as elections approach.
Bajwa urged Congress workers to remain firm and not succumb to pressure, alleging that central investigative agencies could be used for political intimidation.
Pargat questions police restrictions on last rites
Pargat Singh also raised concerns over the reported restrictions on the last rites of three deceased persons — Parminder Singh Jhota, Daljit Singh and Ajay Kumar.
He said their bodies were lying in a mortuary and alleged that their families were not being allowed to perform the last rites. Pargat accused the Punjab Police of putting pressure on the bereaved families and questioned the circumstances surrounding the restrictions.
The Congress leader described the situation as concerning and called for the families to be allowed to perform the last rites.