Hundreds of protesters gathered outside the residence of Punjab State Chief Amarinder Singh on Tuesday to protest against "corruption" by health authorities in the guise of "COVID-19 management."
The protest was organised by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), the main opposition party in Punjab, with support from its new alliance partner Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). The two teamed up last week in what's viewed as preparations for the state legislative assembly elections next year.
Political observers said the demonstration was "a show of strength" by the two parties.
SAD chief Sukhbir Singh Badal was arrested during the protest – police used water cannon to disperse the crowds laying siege to Singh's house.
Workers of @Akali_Dal_
— Ravinder Singh Robin ਰਵਿੰਦਰ ਸਿੰਘ راویندرسنگھ روبن (@rsrobin1) June 15, 2021
& #BSP protesting against Capt Amarinder Singh face water cannons in Mohali. After attending a massive gathering @officeofssbadal said Our strength with the joining of #BSP got double and we can rout any other political party in the battle of the ballot. pic.twitter.com/OQdc8CZ3ge
COVID-19 protocols were breached by the large gathering of protestors. A large number of protestors were seen without masks as well.
The protesters demanded an inquiry into allegations of corruption in the vaccination drive, as well as the distribution of kits to COVID-19 patients that contain medicines, consumables, and oximeters. SAD alleges that the price of the kits was increased deliberately so the government could make a profit, while also claiming that the government sold vaccines to private hospitals at huge margins while allowing the hospitals to charge steep premiums for the jabs.
#AkaliDal chief #SukhbirSinghBadal detained while leading massive protest outside #Punjab CM #AmarinderSingh's residence in Siswan@Akali_Dal_ @officeofssbadal @capt_amarinder pic.twitter.com/bYGczkwwkQ
— editorji (@editorji) June 15, 2021
"There is a scam in vaccination drive, there is a scam in disbursal of the Fateh Kit, there is a scam in scholarship for the Scheduled Caste community and the land of farmers are also being acquired," said Badal while demanding dismissal of the state Health Minister, Balbir Singh Sidhu.
