Chandigarh: Rajbir Singh Ghuman, the OSD (officer on special duty) to chief minister Bhagwant Mann, on Wednesday hit back at Shiromani Akali Dal functionary Bikram Singh Majithia, challenging him to produce evidence for his allegations or apologise publicly.In a social media post, Ghuman said, “I openly challenge Bikram Singh Majithia, who has appointed himself as the spokesperson of the ED (Enforcement Directorate), that if he has even a single chat of mine or any evidence of me asking anyone for money, he should make it public. Either bring the evidence before the people or publicly apologise. Otherwise, be prepared to face a defamation case.”In a post on X, while referring to CM Mann’s rejection of the ED’s claims in reply to a media query at a news conference, Majithia had asked, “It is easy to call the letter false, but what about the chats that discuss transactions worth crores?”The SAD functionary also alleged that the document detailed WhatsApp chats involving OSD Rajbir Ghuman and others. “If all of this is false, why are you afraid to get the authenticity of these chats investigated?” he asked.A press statement by Ghuman stated, “It is easy to level allegations, but difficult to provide evidence. The real problem for the opposition is that ordinary families’ sons have risen to positions of responsibility and that the political opportunities of those who had ruled Punjab for years are now being challenged.”“He (Majithia) is actually troubled by how youth from ordinary families have come forward, and their turns of forming govt have been broken. When they cannot challenge us for our work, they have now resorted to ugly lies and character assassination,” Ghuman added.“We are working honestly for Punjab and will continue to do so. If he (Majithia) has the courage, he should talk about our work, not false allegations,” the OSD said.In the ED’s letter to the Punjab DGP, allegations were made about influencing transfers and postings of govt officials, leaking confidential govt documents, facilitating arms licences and securing govt approvals in lieu of monetary and other benefits.
