Chandigarh-In a sharp and strongly worded statement, senior Punjab legislator Sukhpal Khaira has once again raised serious allegations of large-scale corruption under the present state government. Referring to his earlier disclosure about Jalandhar-based trader Upkar Hothi, who allegedly swindled government wheat worth ₹1.75 crore from PUNGRAIN stock kept in his cold-storage facility, Khaira said that yet another scam—this time involving the fraudulent sale of farmers’ potato produce—has now surfaced.
Khaira claimed that the wheat scandal became possible due to Upkar Hothi’s “close proximity” with national and state leadership, including Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann, and that similar political links appear to be shielding those responsible for the newly emerged potato scam worth an estimated ₹10–12 crore. According to Khaira, the video evidence circulating on social media shows how unsuspecting farmers were allegedly looted through fraudulent procurement and non-payment for their produce.
Questioning the tall claims of a corruption-free administration, Khaira targeted the Aam Aadmi Party government, asking how such loot can continue openly when the perpetrators are reportedly connected to influential political figures. He further alleged that despite repeated complaints from affected farmers, no concrete action has been taken, creating an atmosphere of fear, mistrust, and helplessness among the rural community.
Khaira demanded that the Punjab government immediately order an impartial investigation, recover the lost money, and ensure strict punishment for those involved—regardless of their political connections. He stressed that the ongoing pattern of scams, whether in wheat, potatoes, or other sectors, is causing irreparable harm to both the state exchequer and the dignity of Punjab’s hardworking farmers.
The issue is rapidly gaining traction across the state, with farmer groups calling for transparency and accountability. All eyes now remain on the state leadership and how it responds to these grave allegations.