Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia. Photo Credit: The New Indian Express
The arrest of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia has triggered strong political reactions across Punjab, with SAD workers holding protests in Amritsar and other parts of the state. The arrest, carried out by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau, is being seen by the opposition as a politically motivated move, just ahead of the 2025 assembly session.
SAD leaders and supporters gathered outside Majithia’s residence in Amritsar, raising slogans and condemning what they call the “dictatorial tactics” of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. The protesters alleged that the arrest was a desperate attempt to silence political opponents, as Majithia continues to be one of the most vocal critics of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership.
As reported by Hindustan Times Majithia was arrested following raids at over two dozen locations across Punjab. The charges include accumulation of disproportionate assets and alleged laundering of drug money to the tune of ₹540 crore. His wife, Ganieve Kaur Majithia, who is also a SAD MLA, condemned the manner in which the operation was carried out, claiming it was more of a “media spectacle” than a fair legal process.
The political temperature rose further and per The Tribune report, senior Congress leader Sukhpal Singh Khaira came out in support of Majithia. In a rare show of cross-party solidarity, Khaira said, “I strongly condemn the arrest and the raids conducted by the Vigilance Bureau. Punjab is fast becoming a police state. This is nothing but political vendetta in the garb of investigation.”
Khaira’s support has added a new dimension to the controversy, with opposition leaders now uniting to question the state government’s intentions. He also called on civil society to take note of what he termed “dangerous trends” emerging in Punjab politics.
Meanwhile, the ruling AAP defended the arrest. Senior leaders claimed that the action was based on detailed findings from the Special Investigation Team (SIT) and anti-corruption units. Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said, “The law will take its course. No one is above the law, not even seasoned politicians like Majithia.”
However, questions are being raised about the timing of the arrest. With local body elections around the corner, several political analysts suggest that the arrest may serve as a calculated distraction from the AAP’s own administrative shortcomings.
The BJP also reacted cautiously. Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar stated that while corruption must be dealt with firmly, enforcement actions should not become political tools. “Selective action weakens people’s trust in institutions. The law must be equal for all,” he said.
In response to the growing uproar, Bikram Majithia released a video message from custody, alleging that the AAP government was using state machinery to suppress voices of dissent. He maintained that all his properties and income sources are legitimate, and vowed to fight the charges legally and politically.
The arrest of a high-profile leader like Majithia, who has held key portfolios including revenue and prisons in earlier SAD-BJP governments, has reignited debate on political vendetta versus genuine anti-corruption efforts. The public reaction, protests by SAD workers, and condemnation from leaders like Sukhpal Khaira signal that this development is far from a routine legal matter.
As the issue unfolds, Punjab is likely to witness a fierce war of words, legal battles, and heightened political drama. With SAD workers protesting openly on the streets and opposition leaders condemning the state’s handling of the situation, the arrest of Bikram Singh Majithia may shape the political narrative in Punjab for months to come.
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