The recent conviction of AAP MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura on charges of molestation and assault has once again exposed the alarming presence of tainted leaders within the political framework of Punjab. A court in Tarn Taran found Lalpura guilty in a case dating back to 2013, where a Dalit woman had accused him of harassment and physical assault. His arrest in the courtroom not only underlines the gravity of the crime but also highlights the inability of political parties to distance themselves from individuals with questionable records. When a sitting MLA is convicted of such a heinous act, it destroys the credibility of a party’s claim to be working for women’s empowerment.
Similarly, former Punjab Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak faced serious allegations of sexual exploitation. While the complainant later withdrew the charges, the controversy left behind disturbing questions about how such cases are investigated when powerful figures are involved. Demands for a CBI probe reflected the lack of trust in local systems to conduct impartial inquiries. The entire episode undermined public confidence and showcased the challenges survivors face in pursuing justice when the accused hold political office.
The case of AAP MLA and minister Balkar Singh further deepens the crisis of trust. Viral video allegations in 2024 suggested that he engaged in inappropriate sexual conduct with a woman seeking employment. The National Commission for Women itself stepped in and demanded an urgent probe, showing that the matter could not be brushed aside as political mudslinging. Whether or not the allegations stand in court, the fact that senior leaders find themselves repeatedly embroiled in such controversies shatters the public’s faith in their ability to provide safe governance.
Together, these episodes expose a dangerous contradiction. On one hand, political leaders promise to make Punjab a safer and more dignified place for women. On the other, their own representatives are either convicted or accused in cases of sexual misconduct. Such a scenario creates a chilling effect where survivors hesitate to come forward, fearing retaliation, political pressure, or outright dismissal of their complaints. For marginalized women, particularly those from Scheduled Castes and economically weaker backgrounds, the intimidation is even greater.
When leaders accused of crimes against women continue to enjoy political clout, it sends a devastating message — that misconduct will be tolerated if one has electoral value. This not only normalizes predatory behavior but also erodes the credibility of every initiative aimed at women’s safety. Laws, helplines, and safety audits become meaningless if the very people expected to enforce them are themselves embroiled in scandal.
If Punjab, and India at large, are to create a safe environment for women, political parties must show zero tolerance for such acts. Suspension of accused leaders until cases are cleared, independent investigations under judicial supervision, survivor protection, and fast-track courts must become the norm. Without such measures, trust cannot be restored, and the dream of a truly safe and equal society will remain unfulfilled.