After the Swati Maliwal case, the Arvind Kejriwal-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has now embroiled itself in another controversy and this time it is Punjab. An AAP MLA and minister in the Punjab government, Balkar Singh, has been facing an accusation from the BJP of asking sexual favours from a woman on the pretext of giving her a job.
It all started on Monday (May 28), when several leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) shared a purported video of Balkar Singh in which he is seen flashing his private parts and “masturbating” before a 21-year-old woman, who allegedly contacted him regarding a job opportunity.
The allegations were brought to fore by BJP leader Tajinder Pal Singh Bagga, who shared the alleged clip on X, and said: “A 21-year-old woman comes to AAP’s Punjab minister Balkar Singh and says she is in much need of a job. Balkar asks her to do video call and then forces her to take off her clothes and then he masturbates.”
Bagga also asked Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to sack Balkar Singh immediately.
Balkar Singh is in-charge of local government and Parliamentary Affairs in the Bhagwant Mann-led Cabinet.
AAP = Anti Aurat Party
Another BJP leader Shehzad Poonawalla took a swipe at Kejriwal’s AAP and said it is “Anti Aurat Party”. He even linked the incident to the alleged assault against Swati Maliwal in Delhi.
“After Lal Chand Kataruchak now Balkar Singh, AAP MLA whose video of masturbating with a 21-year girl is viral. Even Congress is attacking AAP but remains silent on Swati Maliwal. Will Kejriwal and Mann sack Balkar Singh? Will Kejriwal open his mouth on Swati Maliwal?” Poonwalla asked.
‘No comments’
After the video went viral and created a massive uproar, Balkar Singh seemed unaffected and said: “I have no comments, and it is not known to me.”
NCW demands action
The National Women’s Commission (NCW) said “it is gravely disturbed by a Twitter post allegations against Punjab MLA Mr. Balkar Singh”.
The NCW further said Rekha Sharma, chairperson of NCW, “vehemently condemn such behaviour and call for urgent intervention DGP Punjab Police (Gaurav Yadav) to ensure a prompt and impartial investigation.”
The NCW has sought for a comprehensive report on the incident to be submitted within three days.
According to a report by The Tribune, the video of Balkar Singh is said to be at least five months old and was in possession of former minister of Akali Dal, Bikram S Majithia.
The report said Majithia had handed the video over to Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit for his intervention.
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