AAP’s clean governance promise in Punjab faces scrutiny as corruption allegations mount against its MLAs.
Chandigarh: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which came to power in Punjab in March 2022 on the plank of clean politics, is increasingly becoming entangled in controversies involving its own legislators. From bribery and corruption to money laundering, several AAP MLAs are facing legal scrutiny. The most recent to come under the spotlight is Jalandhar Central MLA Raman Arora, whose residence was raided on Friday by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau in connection with a corruption investigation involving alleged fake notices.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, in a video message, reiterated the government’s stance on corruption, saying, “No mercy upon the corrupt. Our policy on corruption is absolutely clear. Whether someone is our own or an outsider, anyone who indulges in any form of corruption will not be tolerated, and legal action will definitely be taken.”
While AAP continues to advocate for transparency and a zero-tolerance policy on graft, the frequency of such incidents has cast doubt on the party’s governance narrative. Although the party acted swiftly in a few cases—ranging from arrests to the dismissal of ministers—many accused individuals continue to hold political office, with investigations still pending and no convictions secured yet.
Once seen as a key cabinet member, Singla was removed in May 2022—just 75 days into the new government—after being arrested for allegedly demanding a 1% commission on departmental contracts. Mann touted his sacking as a bold anti-corruption move. However, after being granted bail in July 2022, Singla resumed political activities and has frequently appeared at public events, even though his case remains unresolved.
In February 2023, vigilance officers arrested Kotfatta after his staffer was caught accepting a Rs 4 lakh bribe to release Rs 25 lakh from the village development fund. The complainant was the husband of the Ghudda village sarpanch. Kotfatta was arrested promptly but was released on bail in April 2023. He continues to serve as an MLA while the judicial process drags on.
Sarari, the MLA from Guru Har Sahai, resigned in January 2023 after a viral audio clip allegedly captured him plotting to extort money from contractors. Under mounting public and political pressure, he claimed the clip was fabricated. No official FIR was filed, and his resignation was never formally acknowledged. Despite the controversy, he has continued his political activities in the constituency.
In November 2023, Majra was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a Rs 40 crore bank fraud case, primarily related to his business activities. He was released on bail in 2024 after the ED recovered more than Rs 35 crore. Despite his release, the allegations continue to cast a shadow over his political role.
In April 2025, the Enforcement Directorate searched properties linked to Singh in connection with the Rs 48,000 crore Pearls Agrotech scam—one of India’s largest financial frauds. Although no direct charges have been filed against him so far, the scale of the scam and Singh’s prominence as a political figure have kept the matter under scrutiny.
The most recent case involves Arora, accused of issuing bogus official notices for personal gain. His offices were raided by the Vigilance Bureau as part of a widening crackdown. The probe is in its early stages, but it has added to the pressure on AAP to uphold its anti-corruption stance.
