Chandigarh: Senior Aam Aadmi Party leader Baltej Pannu has accused Union Home Minister Amit Shah of attempting to split opposition MPs, alleging that Raghav Chadha was being used “as a tool” in the process.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Pannu claimed he had information suggesting that Shah offered a ministerial position if Chadha managed to bring over seven MPs. He alleged that efforts were being made to weaken AAP’s voice in both Parliament Houses, but asserted that all party MPs remain united and “not afraid” of agencies like Enforcement Directorate and Central Bureau of Investigation.
Pannu further said that since AAP formed the government in Punjab, there have been repeated attempts to lure its legislators, including claims of horse-trading and contacts with multiple MLAs, but none succeeded.
He also alleged that central agencies become active ahead of elections to pressure opposition leaders, citing past cases involving Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia.
The Bharatiya Janata Party dismissed the allegations as “baseless”. BJP leader Vineet Joshi said the claims were an attempt to divert attention from real issues, including the ongoing power situation.
