Chandigarh: Amid the political churn following the exit of several AAP Rajya Sabha MPs, Balbir Singh Seechewal has said he refused any offer to join the BJP and sharply criticised former party colleague Raghav Chadha over allegations of corruption within the party.
In an interview with a newspaper, Seechewal said he was neither approached nor interested in switching sides. “Even if someone had contacted me, I had no such intention,” he said, asserting his commitment to public service over politics.
He also questioned Chadha’s recent remarks alleging corruption in AAP, asking why such concerns were not raised earlier. Seechewal alleged that key administrative decisions, including postings and appointments of IAS officers, were influenced by Chadha and Sandeep Pathak during their time in Punjab.
Referring to a government residence in Chandigarh, he claimed that senior officials frequently looked towards “Kothi No. 50” for directions, suggesting that any alleged irregularities would have occurred during the tenure of those now levelling accusations.
Seechewal further said that if corruption existed, it should have been highlighted when the leaders were part of the system. “It is not that corruption began after they left. They were in key roles and would know better,” he remarked.
He also revealed that Vikramjit Singh Sahney had informed him about plans to form a separate group and sought his support, which he declined.
On communication within the party, Seechewal said he had no contact with Arvind Kejriwal regarding the developments, adding that he only spoke with Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who informed him about the situation.
Reiterating his stance, Seechewal said he entered public life for service and had even initially declined the Rajya Sabha nomination, underscoring that his focus remains on social work rather than political manoeuvring.
