Despite loud claims of “zero tolerance”, the Aam Aadmi Party leadership refuses to act against its own ministers, MLAs, and leaders facing serious charges, betraying public trust and damaging its credibility in Punjab.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which rose to power on the back of bold promises of eradicating corruption and ensuring clean governance, is now facing a serious crisis of credibility. Several of its ministers, MLAs, and senior party leaders are under severe public scrutiny, with allegations ranging from financial corruption to cases of sexual harassment. Shockingly, the AAP leadership, which once claimed it would never tolerate such misconduct, has chosen silence over action.
This inaction raises critical questions about the government’s sincerity. On the one hand, the Chief Minister and AAP leaders hold press conferences boasting about their commitment to clean politics. On the other hand, when allegations surface against their own colleagues, there is no willingness to conduct transparent investigations or suspend those accused until they are cleared. Such selective morality exposes the double standards of the party’s leadership.
The people of Punjab had voted for AAP with the belief that it would be a party with a difference—one that would punish the corrupt, protect women, and ensure that public representatives would be held accountable for their actions. Today, that trust stands betrayed. By refusing to act against those facing serious charges, the government is sending a clear message that political power matters more than principles.
It is not just the accused individuals who are being shielded; the victims of harassment and the public who seek justice are being let down. When powerful leaders face no consequences for their wrongdoings, it discourages victims from coming forward and emboldens others to misuse their positions. The government’s inaction has created an environment where corruption and misconduct are tolerated if they involve politically influential figures.
Moreover, AAP’s failure to act swiftly is damaging the morale of honest officers, whistleblowers, and even party workers who believed in the ideals of transparency. These workers campaigned on the streets, knocking on doors, telling people that AAP would bring change. Today, those very workers are finding it difficult to answer public questions about why the leadership is protecting tainted leaders.
Opposition parties have also begun questioning the government’s so-called “zero tolerance” policy, accusing it of hypocrisy and betrayal of public mandate. The credibility of governance suffers when loud claims are not backed by decisive actions. Noise does not replace justice. Public statements do not substitute for investigations. AAP’s leadership must understand that the people of Punjab will not be misled by cosmetic posturing.
If AAP wants to retain any moral high ground, it must immediately suspend leaders facing serious allegations, ensure impartial inquiries, and take strict action against the guilty. The time for press statements and hollow slogans is over. This is a test of AAP’s character as a ruling party. Will it protect the corrupt and harassers in its own backyard, or will it uphold the dignity and expectations of the people who placed their faith in them?
Punjab is watching. The people are waiting. The choice is AAP’s to make.