Sukhbir Badal Challenges Kejriwal to Open Debate on Punjab Paper Leaks, Recruitment Scams

August 10, 2026

Bathinda: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Monday challenged Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Arvind Kejriwal to an open debate over alleged paper leaks and recruitment scams in Punjab, while questioning why no one had been held accountable despite repeated examination irregularities affecting more than 10 lakh students.

Badal was addressing a sit-in protest at Government Rajindra College in Bathinda as part of the ‘Bhavikh Bachao Morcha’, being led by the SAD’s student wing, Students’ Organisation of India (SOI).

The protestors are demanding the resignation of Punjab ministers Harjot Singh Bains and Balbir Singh and a CBI probe into the alleged paper leaks.

Badal Challenges Kejriwal to Debate

Targeting Kejriwal, Badal questioned why he was raising issues concerning students in Delhi while allegedly ignoring the concerns of students in Punjab.

He challenged the AAP convener to an open debate at any university of his choice in Punjab, claiming that he would present facts and figures regarding alleged paper leaks, recruitment irregularities and the appointment of outsiders at the expense of Punjabi youth.

Badal also questioned why no action had been taken against those responsible despite what he described as more than 10 paper leaks and recruitment scams.

SAD Demands Action Over Paper Leaks

Amid slogans demanding Harjot Bains’ resignation, Badal accused the AAP government of denying the alleged paper leak incidents.

He claimed that the Chief Minister had himself acknowledged a paper leak in an earlier social media post and pointed to instances where the Punjab and Haryana High Court had stayed recruitments over alleged irregularities.

Badal said the agitation would continue until the ministers whom the party holds responsible for the alleged irregularities resign.

Protest to Continue

Badal appealed to students to continue raising their voices over issues concerning examinations and recruitment.

He said the SAD was committed to seeking action against those responsible for what he alleged had damaged the future of Punjab’s youth.

The ‘Bhavikh Bachao Morcha’ is seeking accountability from the state government and a CBI investigation into the alleged paper leaks and recruitment-related irregularities.