Rahul Gandhi accused the AAP government of Punjab of a pattern of intimidation after the alleged suicide of Gulzar Singh, a 47‑year‑old Dalit man from Dirba. Gandhi demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann call for Finance Minister Harpal Cheema’s resignation and launch an impartial, time‑bound investigation, citing Singh’s death as evidence of government abuse.
Singh reportedly took poison on the night of September 9 after questioning Cheema about the state’s drug supply during an event on September 6. His family said he was tortured and humiliated, pressured to apologise, and denied access to treatment, leading to his death. They also claimed his right to traditional last rites was denied.
Gandhi warned that questioning the government’s failures now invites threats and torture, and urged Punjab’s Dalit community to remain vigilant. He echoed similar concerns from Congress leaders KC Venugopal and Pawan Khera, who condemned the AAP as an “anti‑Dalit” and “English‑medium BJP,” and highlighted the forcible cremation of Singh’s body without family consent.
AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia responded by accusing Gandhi of “dirty politics” and “lying” over the dead body, while the AAP government faced criticism for alleged custodial torture of another villager protesting the drug crisis. The incident has intensified political debate ahead of Punjab’s upcoming elections.
