Allegations of Misconduct Put AAP Under Scanner Ahead of Elections
Patiala – As Punjab gears up for the upcoming elections, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) finds itself in the middle of mounting controversies. Fresh allegations of sexual harassment have been levelled against Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh by a former women’s wing functionary of the party. The complaint, filed in a Patiala court, accuses Singh of repeated advances, physical contact, intimidation, and demands for sexual favors during office hours and public meetings. The complaint also names his son, close aides, a local party functionary, and even the AAP Punjab unit as co-accused in a wider conspiracy to threaten and silence the complainant.
The health minister has strongly denied the charges, calling them politically motivated, and stated that he would file a detailed reply in court. He has claimed that he always treated the complainant with “respect like a daughter” and termed the allegations as defamatory.
The seriousness of the case lies not just in the allegations, but also in the timing. With state elections around the corner, such cases have the potential to damage AAP’s carefully built image of clean governance and women empowerment. Already, the party has faced criticism in recent months over the conduct of some of its legislators. Opposition leaders have been quick to point out that repeated allegations against AAP functionaries expose a gap between the party’s promises and practices.
Political observers say that even if the case is fought in court, the perception battle could prove costly. Women’s safety and dignity are sensitive electoral issues, and rivals are likely to amplify this controversy to dent AAP’s appeal among women voters and urban middle classes.
With the complainant seeking criminal action under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including cancellation of bail for the accused, the matter is expected to remain in headlines in the weeks to come. For AAP, which is already facing challenges from both Congress and BJP in Punjab, the unfolding controversy could complicate its electoral narrative.
This is a web generated news report
