Sachin Pilot to visit Punjab on Sept 15, lead march against Harpal Cheema

Congress general secretary Sachin Pilot will visit Punjab on September 15 for the first time since being appointed the party's in-charge of the state.

Pilot said on Saturday that he would join a march to the residence of AAP minister Harpal Cheema on Tuesday, demanding justice for Gulzar Singh, who died by suicide after consuming poison following alleged pressure and mental harassment after he questioned the minister over the drug menace.

Punjab is scheduled to go to polls early next year. The Congress has replaced Bhupesh Baghel with Sachin Pilot as the state in-charge in an effort to put its faction-ridden state unit in order.

"The Punjab Congress leaders and I will be taking out a march to the residence of AAP Minister Harpal Cheema on 15 September in Chandigarh, demanding justice for the family of Late Shri Gulzar Singh ji, who committed suicide by consuming poison after facing pressure and mental harassment because he dared to question the minister about the uncontrollable drug menace in Punjab.

His last video recording before his death clearly names the minister. The victim's family also alleged that they were denied dignity and respect while conducting his final rites. This is a serious matter that demands an independent investigation," Pilot said on X.

"The Congress party demands nothing less than the termination of the minister and an immediate, time-bound, independent inquiry into all aspects of the matter," he added.

The Punjab Congress has been seeking Cheema's removal and an independent investigation into his alleged involvement in Gulzar Singh's suicide.  (with inputs from PTI)