In Panjab, controversies have erupted on multiple fronts, intensifying scrutiny of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. A plaque commemorating restroom repairs under the Sikhya Kranti scheme led social media users to brand Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann the Toilet King ofPunjab, highlighting alleged extravagance in celebrating minor works. Meanwhile, a violent confrontation over illegal mining in Dera Bassi in Shaibzada Ajit Singh Nagar district left at least six injured, extending into the Civil Hospital and prompting doctors to go on strike. Additionally, AAP Members of the Legislative Assembly face rising public discontent: a farmer in Faridkot openly challenged Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan’s expertise, and Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khudian’s interaction with protesters ended in the detention of a Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) (Sidhupur) member. On 15 Apr, BKU Azad members—part of Kisan Mukti Morcha—raised slogans against CM Mann when he came to Chaajli village in Sangrur, his home turf. Common people have barred AAP members from entering their villages. On 6 Apr, Bathinda Police arrested farm activist and BKU (Ekta Ugrahan) general secretary Harinder Kaur Bindu who was on location to support protesting teachers and parents. Bindu is the daughter of a 1991 Sewewala massacre victim Megh Raj Bhagtuana. Upon release from jail, Bindu accused police of torture and is receiving medical treatment. In Rampura, thousands gathered on 12 Apr to demand the release of jailed teachers and supporters, alleging they were beaten while highlighting corruption in Adarsh (Ideal) School’s finances. Accusers claim the AAP administration forcibly privatizes public services like education and healthcare. In a separate development, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Praveen Kumar Sinha has been appointed head of Panjab Police Intelligence, replacing ADGP RK Jaiswal without explanation. Panjab Bharatiya Janata Party chief Sunil Jakhar has accused the government of misusing intelligence resources for political espionage, citing his remarks in the Assembly as evidence that he monitors opponents through official channels (earlier coverage).
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