BJP demands Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann’s resignation over man’s alleged suicide

The BJP on Tuesday demanded the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over the alleged suicide of a 47-year-old man who, according to the party, was pressured by local AAP leaders to apologise after questioning state minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the drug menace in his village.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, party spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia also sought Cheema’s resignation and demanded registration of an FIR under provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita related to abetment of suicide.

According to media reports, Gulzar Singh, a daily wager from Dirba in Sangrur district, died after consuming poison on Monday night. The BJP alleged that some local AAP leaders had pressured him to apologise after he questioned Cheema during the minister’s visit to the village on September 6.

Bhatia said Singh had raised the issue of drug abuse during Cheema’s visit and told the minister that his son was consuming chitta, a term commonly used for heroin, while urging him to take action against its supply.

The BJP leader alleged that after Cheema left, an AAP leader who is the village sarpanch visited Singh’s home and asked him to apologise to the minister for his remarks.

Bhatia said Singh later narrated the episode and named those who allegedly threatened him before he died at a hospital. The BJP spokesperson played video footage of Singh during the press conference.

“When the protector turns the predator, he has no right to remain in office. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann must immediately resign from his post,” Bhatia said.

He also demanded Cheema’s resignation and sought action against all those named by Singh for alleged abetment of suicide.

Bhatia further demanded that provisions of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act be invoked against the accused, alleging that Singh belonged to a Scheduled Caste.

Neither the AAP nor the Punjab government has responded to the allegations made by the BJP.