Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann using state intelligence units for political spying, alleges BJP chief Sunil Jakhar

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of using the state’s intelligence department to spy on political opponents. Jakhar has written a letter to the Punjab governor, requesting a high-level investigation into what he called “IntelGate Punjab”. He believes this is not just a small mistake but a serious and planned misuse of government machinery for political benefits.

Jakhar raised concerns after the recent transfer of Additional Director General of Police (Intelligence) RK Jaiswal. He said this transfer happened right after Mann’s statement in the Punjab Assembly where the CM said, “Main sarkar vich haan, mere kol intelligence hai,” meaning “I am in the government, and I have the intelligence.” According to Jakhar, this shows that the CM openly admitted using the intelligence network for political purposes.

Jakhar said the timing of the officer’s transfer was not random. He questioned whether Jaiswal was removed because he refused to follow political orders or was under pressure to turn the intelligence department into a private tool of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). Jakhar believes this transfer shows that the intelligence system is being misused for spying on political opponents, which is against democratic principles.

A serious threat to democracy

In his letter, Jakhar said this issue is not just about one transfer or one statement. He called it a “dangerous and deliberate pattern” that shows how institutions are being controlled for personal or political gain. He warned that this kind of behaviour is very harmful to democracy and can break people’s trust in the government.

He further said that diverting intelligence resources to monitor political opponents weakens the state’s ability to deal with real threats. As proof, he mentioned the recent grenade attack at the house of senior BJP leader Manoranjan Kalia in Jalandhar. This attack happened during the night of April 7 and 8. Jakhar said if intelligence resources had not been misused for spying, such attacks might have been prevented.

Jakhar urged the governor to take immediate steps and order a judicial or independent investigation into this misuse of power. He said the investigation should also look into the sudden removal of the ADGP (Intelligence).

He also asked the governor to send this matter to the central government and national investigation agencies, such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) or Intelligence Bureau (IB). Jakhar said this is not just a state issue because Punjab is a border state, and any security failure here could affect national security.

He reminded the governor that border states like Punjab face constant threats from terrorism, smuggling, and anti-national activities. If the intelligence department is used for politics instead of real threats, the safety of the people and the nation is at risk.

Jakhar warned that if such practices continue, it could lead to long-term damage to institutions that are supposed to protect citizens. He called it a “clear case of institutional capture”, where the ruling party tries to control departments meant to be neutral and professional.

Opposition steps up pressure

The BJP has now taken a firm stand on the issue. The party is expected to raise this matter at both the state and national levels. Jakhar’s statements come at a time when political tension is already rising in Punjab due to upcoming elections.

Other opposition leaders have also started questioning the state government’s handling of sensitive issues, including law and order and border security. The alleged misuse of intelligence units adds to the list of concerns being raised by political parties and citizens alike.

Jakhar said it is shocking that the CM made such a public statement in the state assembly, and no one from the ruling party has tried to clarify or deny it. Instead, the sudden changes in the intelligence department soon after the statement only make things look worse.

He also criticised the ruling party for not respecting democratic traditions. He said using government officers and departments for spying on opposition leaders goes against the spirit of the Constitution and could damage the state's reputation.

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National concern over border security

Jakhar also said that since Punjab shares its border with Pakistan, the misuse of intelligence in this way could be harmful to the nation’s safety. He believes the central government should take the matter seriously and step in if needed.

He asked the governor to ensure that the matter is referred to the Union Ministry of Home Affairs. He added that the entire country must be concerned if a state’s intelligence network is being turned into a political weapon.

Jakhar concluded his letter by saying that this issue must be resolved quickly and fairly. He said protecting institutions and democratic values is more important than party politics.

He also warned that if such actions go unchecked, they could be repeated in other states too, leading to further damage to Indian democracy.

As of now, the Punjab government has not issued any official statement responding to Jakhar’s accusations. However, political experts say the issue is likely to become a major topic of debate in the coming days.

In the past, there have been concerns about the misuse of intelligence services, but rarely have such allegations been made with such strong words and public evidence. Jakhar’s letter and the timing of the intelligence officer’s transfer have sparked fresh political drama in the state.

The demand for a judicial inquiry and involvement of central agencies shows how seriously the BJP is treating the issue. Whether the governor or the central government acts on these demands remains to be seen.

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar has raised serious questions about CM Bhagwant Mann’s use of the state intelligence network. He believes the intelligence department is being misused for political spying, which is dangerous for democracy and national security. The transfer of ADGP RK Jaiswal after the CM’s public statement has added to suspicions.

Jakhar has demanded a judicial or independent investigation and asked the governor to involve central agencies. Given Punjab’s sensitive position as a border state, he says this is no longer just a state matter, but a national issue.

The situation has sparked fresh debate in Punjab politics, and further developments are expected soon as pressure mounts on the state government to respond.