CHANDIGARH: Jailed former Punjab minister and AAP MLA Laljit Singh Bhullar’s Facebook post on Tuesday claimed that he would not contest the upcoming assembly elections in 2027.Bhullar, who represents the Patti assembly constituency, is currently lodged in jail in connection with the suicide of an official of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation, news agency PTI reported.The AAP is yet to announce its candidate for the Patti assembly seat.In the Facebook post, Bhullar said he had decided not to contest the 2027 Punjab assembly elections.“I have heard the sentiments expressed by the brothers and sisters of the Patti constituency regarding the party fielding me once again in the upcoming elections. However, I have decided not to contest the election,” the post said.“I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the people of Patti constituency. I bow my head in deep respect before your love, affection and sentiments. I shall remain indebted to the people of Patti constituency throughout my life. My sincere thanks to every brother and sister who has stood by me and supported me at every step,” the post read further.Bhullar was arrested on March 23, two days after Gagandeep Singh Randhawa, district manager of the Punjab State Warehousing Corporation in Amritsar, died by suicide, PTI reported.Bhullar was accused of abetting Randhawa’s suicide. In a video, Randhawa had purportedly alleged harassment by Bhullar. The latter later resigned as minister following directions from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.Amritsar Police had booked Bhullar, his father Sukhdev Singh Bhullar and personal assistant Dilbag Singh under Sections 108 (abetment of suicide), 351(3) (criminal intimidation) and 3(5) (common intention) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).A video had also surfaced on social media in which Randhawa, who held the additional charge of Patti, was purportedly heard saying that he had consumed a poisonous substance and accusing Bhullar of harassment.In her complaint, Randhawa’s wife had claimed that her husband was constantly pressurised to allot a warehouse tender to Bhullar’s father. She had also alleged that he was threatened with harm to himself and his family.(With agency inputs)
