BJP alleges Punjab transfer-posting scam, demands Bhagwant Mann’s resignation

The BJP on Wednesday alleged corruption in the transfer and posting of officials in Punjab and demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann resign to facilitate an impartial probe into the matter.

Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters, party national spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia alleged that a "cash-for-transfer" scam was taking place in Punjab at the behest of Mann.

There was no immediate reaction from the Punjab government or the ruling Aam Aadmi Party to the allegations.

Bhatia alleged that the Punjab Police was not registering an FIR in the matter despite repeated requests from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and demanded a CBI investigation.

"Transfer posting scam is happening in Punjab. Transfer and posting of senior IAS and IPS officials are done as per a rate card. These facts have surfaced during the Enforcement Directorate's probe into the matter," Bhatia alleged.

He also alleged the involvement of Mann's Officer on Special Duty (OSD) in the alleged scam.

"Does any OSD have the power to do transfer-posting of more than 20 IAS and IPS officers and that too without any knowledge of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann? This is impossible. It's not possible without the chief minister's permission," Bhatia said.

The BJP spokesperson said Mann should step down to ensure that the investigation was not influenced by the state government.

"We demand that Bhagwant Mann immediately resign as chief minister. A fair probe into this matter is only possible after Bhagwant Mann resigns," Bhatia said.

He also demanded that the allegations be investigated by the CBI.