NEW DELHI: Punjab Police have registered two FIRs under non-bailable sections against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak in separate districts of the state, days after he switched from the Aam Aadmi Party to the BJP as part of a group of MPs merging with the ruling camp in the Upper House. The timing of the FIRs has triggered a political row, with the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal alleging “political vendetta”. Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma accused the AAP government of misusing the police to target opponents. In a post on X, Sharma said, “There is no law in Punjab; now, political vendetta is in effect. Bhagwant Mann and Kejriwal’s fear exposed. The fact that a non-bailable FIR was registered against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak ji in Punjab as soon as he left AAP and joined BJP clearly shows that Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann are using the police as a political weapon.” Watch How Raghav Chadha and 6 AAP MPs avoided disqualification under anti-defection lawHe added, “This is not just one case–this is the politics of fear, panic and vendetta. Police were used to silence opposing voices earlier, too–the same is being repeated today. Non-bailable clauses, threats of immediate action are a shameful act of implementing a political agenda under the guise of law.” Sharma further alleged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was turning the state into a “police state”, stating, “Bhagwant Mann’s government is slowly transforming Punjab into a ‘police state’–where dissent = case and truth = punishment. BJP Punjab will not tolerate this bullying and dictatorship. Those who build weapons against opponents of the law will be fought legally and democratically. We will not be afraid; we will not bow down.” Echoing similar concerns, Shiromani Akali Dal general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia accused the AAP of selectively targeting former allies. “Hero to Zero…Selective targeting of those who fall out with the Aam Aadmi Party. Sandeep Pathak was once a trusted aide of Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, a key power centre. If he was wrong, then he was following his bosses, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann. Then, who was in collusion with him, and why are they not being booked now? After shifting loyalties, FIRs under non-bailable sections point to possible vendetta politics. From influence to investigation, the shift raises serious questions,” Majithia wrote on X. There has been no immediate response from Pathak or the AAP leadership on the allegations.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDelhi, Dhaka Move To Resume Full-Scale Visa Services Amid Ties ResetFuel Prices May Go Up Soon As Oil Firms Face Losses Amid Global Crude SpikeNine Dead As Tourist Boat Capsizes In Jabalpur, Survivors Allege Major Safety LapsesJPMorgan Executive Sued Over Sexual Abuse, Coercion And Racial Harassment Allegations In New YorkJabalpur Boat Tragedy: Mother Found Clutching Child After Bargi Dam Capsize, 9 DeadIndia Launches First Barrier-Less Toll System On NH-48: How MLFF Will Change Highway TravelTamil Nadu Poll Tension: Vijay’s TVK Office Set On Fire, Security Concerns RiseRahul Gandhi Flags Fuel Price Surge After ₹993 LPG Hike, Warns Petrol-Diesel Could Be NextPunjab Assembly Chaos | CM Bhagwant Mann Allegedly ‘Intoxicated’, Opposition Demands Alcohol TestPakistan admits fuel vulnerability amid global oil shock; compares energy security with India123PhotostoriesQuote of the day by Princess Diana: Carry out a random act of kindness, with no expectation of reward, safe in the knowledge that one day someone might do the same for youHow to make thick mango shake at homeBeetroot juice isn’t for everyone: Hidden side effects and why you should avoid it10 elegant baby names inspired by gemstonesBengal to Bombay: 5 cats that could almost pass off as mini tigers, leopards and panthersMorning affirmation at 5am: Simple habits that feel less like routine, more like reflectionHow to make South Indian Tamarind Rice for summer lunchMaharashtra Day 2026: Chef Sanjeev Kapoor honours the culinary heritage of the stateBest time to do yoga: Morning vs evening; What works better for your body?How Raghav Chadha’s mango shake differs from a regular mango shake; details inside123Hot PicksExit Poll Result 2026Bengal Election 2026Bengal ElectionPM ModiAjay Pal SharmaBengal Poll RecordHimanta Biswa SarmaTop TrendingUS Germany relationsBank Holiday MayVande Bharat expressLPG cylinder price hikeMumbai missing linkPetrol, Diesel, LPG priceCBSE Class 12th ResultNEET 2026: Exam-day guideBSE AP SSC Class 10th ResultIPL Orange Cap
NEW DELHI: Punjab Police have registered two FIRs under non-bailable sections against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak in separate districts of the state, days after he switched from the Aam Aadmi Party to the BJP as part of a group of MPs merging with the ruling camp in the Upper House. The timing of the FIRs has triggered a political row, with the BJP and the Shiromani Akali Dal alleging “political vendetta”. Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma accused the AAP government of misusing the police to target opponents. In a post on X, Sharma said, “There is no law in Punjab; now, political vendetta is in effect. Bhagwant Mann and Kejriwal’s fear exposed. The fact that a non-bailable FIR was registered against Rajya Sabha MP Sandeep Pathak ji in Punjab as soon as he left AAP and joined BJP clearly shows that Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann are using the police as a political weapon.”
He added, “This is not just one case–this is the politics of fear, panic and vendetta. Police were used to silence opposing voices earlier, too–the same is being repeated today. Non-bailable clauses, threats of immediate action are a shameful act of implementing a political agenda under the guise of law.” Sharma further alleged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann was turning the state into a “police state”, stating, “Bhagwant Mann’s government is slowly transforming Punjab into a ‘police state’–where dissent = case and truth = punishment. BJP Punjab will not tolerate this bullying and dictatorship. Those who build weapons against opponents of the law will be fought legally and democratically. We will not be afraid; we will not bow down.“ Echoing similar concerns, Shiromani Akali Dal general secretary Bikram Singh Majithia accused the AAP of selectively targeting former allies. “Hero to Zero…Selective targeting of those who fall out with the Aam Aadmi Party. Sandeep Pathak was once a trusted aide of Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, a key power centre. If he was wrong, then he was following his bosses, Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann. Then, who was in collusion with him, and why are they not being booked now? After shifting loyalties, FIRs under non-bailable sections point to possible vendetta politics. From influence to investigation, the shift raises serious questions,” Majithia wrote on X. There has been no immediate response from Pathak or the AAP leadership on the allegations.