Tarn Taran – Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, Senior Vice President of Shiromani Akali Dal and former MLA from Khadoor Sahib, today escalated the matter concerning AAP legislator Manjinder Singh Lalpura by writing a detailed letter to the Hon’ble Governor of Punjab, Shri Gulab Chand Kataria. In his letter, Brahmpura described the delay by the Speaker in disqualifying a convicted MLA as a “serious constitutional crisis”.
In a statement issued here, Brahmpura said, “The Speaker’s delay in fulfilling his constitutional duty, despite the clarity of law and a Supreme Court ruling, is creating grave constitutional instability. It proves that the ruling party is willing to compromise the dignity of constitutional institutions in order to shield a convicted criminal. We have therefore appealed to the Governor, as the constitutional head of the state, to intervene and ensure that the rule of law is upheld.”
Referring to his earlier complaint, Brahmpura said that the court’s verdict has now placed a judicial stamp on Lalpura’s criminal character. He added, “What is even more alarming is that a court-certified criminal, who lied under oath, has established links with cross-border operatives involved in arms and drone smuggling. This is no longer just a matter of politics, but one of Punjab’s and the nation’s security. That is why we have urged the Governor to recommend a probe by a central agency such as the NIA or CBI into this nexus.”
Brahmpura expressed confidence that the Governor would act urgently in this extremely sensitive matter to restore faith in the rule of law in Punjab.
Demands raised before the Governor:
– Ensure that the Speaker, in compliance with the Constitution, issues an immediate notification disqualifying the convicted legislator.
– Recommend to the Central Government that a comprehensive, impartial investigation into all matters mentioned in the earlier complaint, in view of the proven criminal antecedents of the legislator, be entrusted to a central agency such as the NIA or CBI.