Moga, Punjab: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab on Thursday expelled Moga Mayor Baljit Singh Channi from the party and asked him to resign from his post. Channi holds the distinction of being the first mayor from AAP in Punjab.
The party’s decision comes amid serious allegations linking him to a drug-related case. While AAP has cited involvement in wrongful activities as the reason for the action, Channi has so far remained silent and refused to speak to the media.
Alleged Drug Case Sparks Action
According to government sources, the controversy stems from the arrest of a woman accused of attempting to send 450 grams of opium to her husband in Canada. During questioning, the woman allegedly claimed that Mayor Channi accepted money to shield her from legal action.
Sources further claimed that after her arrest, she shared screenshots from a video allegedly showing a man counting money behind a mirror, identifying him as the mayor. Following these developments, preparations are reportedly underway to register an FIR against Channi.
Why AAP Took Action: Key Allegations in 4 Points
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Protection Allegation:
Police booked a woman from Mayor Baljit Singh Channi’s ward under the NDPS Act for allegedly trying to send 450 grams of opium to her husband in Canada. -
Opium Found in Sweets:
The contraband was reportedly concealed inside popular Dhodha sweets. The opium was discovered when a courier company checked the parcel before sending it overseas. -
Money-for-Protection Claim:
Sources within AAP allege that the mayor accepted money from the woman to protect her from criminal charges. The woman was arrested on Wednesday and reportedly named the mayor during interrogation. -
Party Acts Amid Silence:
Following the arrest, AAP expelled Channi from the party and sought his resignation. Neither Mayor Channi, local MLA Amandeep Kaur Arora, nor police officials have issued an official statement so far.
Channi’s Rise as AAP’s First Mayor
Baljit Singh Channi was elected unopposed as mayor of the Moga Municipal Corporation on August 21, 2023, becoming the first AAP mayor in Punjab’s history. His election followed a no-confidence motion against Congress mayor Nitika Bhalla on July 5, 2023.
Channi was elected during a meeting attended by 42 of the 50 councillors, securing the support of 32 AAP councillors and 10 councillors from other parties.
Next Steps Unclear
With the party action completed and police sources hinting at further legal steps, clarity on the case is expected only after official confirmation from investigating agencies.
