Punjab Police and RTI activist, Manik Goyal, are embroiled in a tussle on social media platform, X, following Goyal’s critique of the AAP-led Punjab government’s plan to hire a plane.
Goyal highlighted a public notice inviting bids for an 8-10 seater aircraft on the official e-procurement portal of Punjab. He criticised the AAP government for potentially misusing public funds for AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal’s election campaign. “Punjab, a relatively small state, already has its own helicopter,” Goyal remarked, insinuating unnecessary expenditure on Kejriwal’s travels outside Punjab.
However, Punjab Police countered, terming the shared document “sensitive” and “not meant for open public circulation.” In defence, Goyal pointed out the document’s public availability on the state government’s website.
The matter escalated as other political figures jumped into the fray. Congress leader, Pargat Singh, expressed his dismay, referencing the misuse of Punjab Police and challenging the AAP government’s actions. Accusing them of muzzling democracy and suppressing free speech, Singh proclaimed, “If speaking out is a crime, Punjab Police, file an FIR against me first!”
