Chandigarh: Senior Congress leader and MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira has intensified his attack on the Punjab Government by challenging Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema to publicly disclose the names of the forensic laboratories that allegedly gave a clean chit to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann in the controversy surrounding a purported video accused of showing disrespect towards Sikh religious figures.
In a strongly worded statement posted on social media, Khaira questioned the authenticity and credibility of the forensic examination report being cited by the Punjab Government. He alleged that the report lacks transparency and raises serious doubts about its legitimacy. According to Khaira, the ten-page report does not mention the name of any forensic laboratory, nor does it bear the signature of an authorized official responsible for the analysis.
The Congress MLA further alleged that the report itself appears incomplete, claiming that it begins from “Point-6,” while the first five points are missing. Khaira questioned why crucial portions of the report have allegedly been withheld from public scrutiny and demanded a full disclosure of all documents related to the forensic examination.
Taking direct aim at the AAP government, Khaira challenged Finance Minister Harpal Cheema to reveal the identities of the forensic experts and laboratories involved in the investigation. He also demanded that the government disclose the name of the police officer assigned to obtain the forensic analysis and provide details of any payments made to the laboratories. Khaira alleged that public funds may have been used to secure what he described as a “fabricated report” intended to shield the Chief Minister from criticism.
The controversy centers on a purported video that has triggered outrage among sections of the Sikh community and political opposition. While the Punjab Government has maintained that forensic analysis cleared Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of any wrongdoing, opposition leaders continue to question both the findings and the process through which the report was obtained.
Khaira’s latest remarks are expected to further escalate the political confrontation between the Congress and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab. The issue has already generated significant debate across political and religious circles, with opposition parties demanding greater transparency and accountability from the state administration.
Tagging senior Congress leaders including Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge and other party functionaries, Khaira signaled that the Congress intends to continue pressing the government for answers until all questions surrounding the forensic report are fully addressed.
Political observers believe that unless the Punjab Government releases complete details of the forensic examination and addresses the concerns raised by the opposition, the controversy is likely to remain a major flashpoint in Punjab politics in the coming weeks.