Punjab’s political landscape once again finds itself stirred by a controversy involving the alleged meteoric rise in wealth among several Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has written a strongly worded letter to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, urging him to order a high-level probe into what he claims is an alarming and unexplained spike in the assets of many lawmakers.
Jakhar alleges that several MLAs, who years ago moved around on bicycles, now drive high-end vehicles worth crores and own lavish farmhouses. He argues that the scale of wealth accumulation is too significant to be brushed aside and calls for a transparent examination of where the money is coming from.
Jakhar Seeks Chief Justice’s Oversight
In his letter, the BJP chief insists that the investigation must be conducted under the direct supervision of Punjab and Haryana High Court Chief Justice Sheel Nagu. According to him, only an impartial, court-monitored probe can uncover the “mighty and powerful” players benefiting from Punjab’s narcotics network.
“Simply filing income-tax returns is not enough to justify the sudden spike in wealth,” Jakhar wrote, arguing that the state must move beyond routine checks and initiate a stringent, credible inquiry.
Focus on the Drug Money Trail and Illegal Mining
Jakhar asserts that the financial trail hints at large-scale money laundering, potentially rooted in Punjab’s long-standing drug crisis and illegal mining operations, including sand mining.
He recommends the inclusion of agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in the investigation, or any other agency deemed suitable by the Chief Justice. The scale and complexity of the alleged money trail, he says, demand a multi-agency approach.
The probe, he emphasizes, must not spare anyone—ministers, MLAs, party presidents, party in-charges, and leaders across political parties. To reinforce his commitment, he has volunteered to be the first to undergo scrutiny.
A Call for Political Accountability
Jakhar’s letter reflects growing public concern over political corruption and the perceived infiltration of illegal money into mainstream governance. He warns that without decisive action, public trust will continue to erode.
He urges Chief Minister Mann to act swiftly, saying that only a credible, transparent, and impartial investigation can restore confidence and demonstrate that the state is serious about dismantling the illegal economy that has thrived for years.
As the demand for a high-level probe gains traction, all eyes are now on the Punjab government’s response. Whether Bhagwant Mann orders the court-monitored investigation sought by Jakhar could shape the state’s political narrative in the coming months—especially as concerns over drug money and illegal mining continue to challenge Punjab’s governance and social stability.