Punjab CM can’t dismiss charges by saying politically motivated: Ravneet Singh Bittu

Chandigarh, Aug 20 (IANS) Responding to Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s remarks on the Enforcement Directorate’s communication, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu on Thursday said that the CM cannot dismiss serious allegations simply by calling them politically motivated.

“These are not allegations made by a political party or an individual sitting outside the system. The Enforcement Directorate is a premier investigative agency of the country. If the agency has sought information from the Punjab Police or raised specific issues, the Chief Minister should allow the competent authorities to examine them instead of attempting to settle the matter through political statements,” Bittu said in a statement.

He said that the Chief Minister’s repeated assertion that every investigation involving his government or its political associates is politically motivated raises more questions than it answers.

“If everything is false, then put the facts and documents in the public domain. If there is nothing to hide, there should be no fear of an investigation. The people of Punjab deserve answers, not accusations against investigating agencies,” Bittu said.

He added that holding constitutional office comes with a greater responsibility to answer questions concerning the functioning of the government. “You are the Chief Minister of Punjab. You cannot selectively demand accountability from others while refusing to answer questions raised about your own government. The office demands accountability before the public.”

He added that investigating agencies must be permitted to discharge their statutory responsibilities independently and that the outcome of any investigation should be determined on the basis of evidence and law.

“If the Chief Minister believes that the allegations are baseless, let the investigation proceed and let the evidence establish the truth. Political rhetoric cannot substitute for an answer to an official investigation,” Bittu said.

He further said that public office cannot be used as a shield against scrutiny. “Resignation is not a substitute for an investigation, but neither is the Chief Minister’s chair a licence to evade questions. If you want to give opinions on accountability and investigations, first place the relevant facts before the people and the competent authorities. Punjab has the right to know the truth,” Bittu added.

–IANS

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