Punjab CMO controversy: SAD to gherao CM Mann’s residence over Rs 5 crore allegation involving Dr Gurpreet Kaur

PTC Web Desk:  The political storm engulfing the Punjab Chief Minister's Office has intensified. The Shiromani Akali Dal's women's wing, Istri Akali Dal, is preparing to hold a protest outside Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's residence, led by party MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal.

The protest follows days of escalating confrontation between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and the opposition over two separate but overlapping controversies. The Enforcement Directorate has alleged a transfer-and-posting racket involving CM Mann's Officer on Special Duty, Rajbir Singh Ghuman, accused of leaking confidential government documents and facilitating postings, arms licences and other approvals for money, with an intermediary allegedly acting as a go-between.

Separately, retired Punjab and Haryana High Court judge Ranjit Singh has accused CM Mann's wife, Dr Gurpreet Kaur, of seeking Rs 5 crore to help settle a rape case.

Ahead of Saturday's demonstration, a SAD delegation led by party president Sukhbir Singh Badal met Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, demanding an independent, court-monitored CBI probe and CM Mann's resignation, alleging the CMO had become a "one-stop Sewa Kendra" shielding rape accused and corrupt officials. The party also called for an FIR against Ghuman and Gurpreet Kaur.

Also Read | Sukhbir Badal meets Punjab Governor, seeks CBI probe into Rs 5 crore allegation involving CM Mann's wife

On the other hand, the AAP has dismissed the charges as baseless and politically motivated, accusing the Opposition of resorting to personal attacks in the absence of any governance critique. Dr Gurpreet Kaur has served a legal notice on Justice Ranjit Singh, demanding a public apology within 24 hours or facing legal action. CM Mann also held a brief private meeting with the Governor.