Launching a strong criticism against the AAP-led Punjab government, State BJP Working President Ashwani Sharma accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of staying silent on various scams and irregularities related to Verka and the nutrition supply chain. Sharma expressed concern over public health and corruption, especially after the Indian Army rejected around 125 metric tons of Verka milk powder due to quality issues. This incident, according to Sharma, is part of a broader pattern that includes allegations of milk adulteration, financial irregularities, and the controversial Panjiri scheme.
Sharma raised concerns about the Panjiri scheme, estimating it to be a potential scam worth Rs 1,000 to Rs 1,500 crore. He criticized the AAP government for shifting the supply from trusted cooperatives like Verka to private contractors through a questionable tender process since 2022. Allegations of rushed approvals, connections between firms, compromised nutritional quality, and the use of cheaper substitutes like soybean oil instead of ghee have surfaced. The matter is currently being examined by the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Accusing Chief Minister Mann of colluding with the “milk mafia,” Sharma stated that merely suspending officials is insufficient. He emphasized that compromising children’s nutrition and soldiers’ health is not negligence but a severe betrayal. The BJP has demanded a prompt CBI investigation or a high court-monitored probe into all Verka-related issues and the Panjiri controversy to uncover the truth and hold those responsible accountable. Sharma stressed that the people of Punjab deserve transparency and accountability, not silence.
