Multi-crore Dalit scholarship scam: Punjab cabinet minister Sadhu Singh Dharamsot faces political heat

PATIALA: Having been indicted by the probe in the multi-crore Dalit scholarship scheme scam, Punjab cabinet minister

Sadhu Singh Dharamsot

has come in the line of fire from the political rivals, who are demanding his dismissal from the cabinet for playing with the future of Dalit students.


Shiromani Akali Dal (D) leader and former finance minister of Punjab,

Parminder Singh Dhindsa

said it is a very sorry state of affairs. “On one hand the state is blaming the union government for holding back the SC scholarships, and on the other hand the minister is found embezzling scholarship funds.”

He said it was a huge scam which directly affected the future of Dalit students. “It was quite surprising, the minister instead of denying his involvement is blaming the additional chief secretary of being vengeful,” Dhindsa said.

Leader of the opposition party in the state legislature, Harpal Sigh Cheema said multi-crore post-matric scholarship scam has exposed the real intentions of the

Congress ministers

, “We have already demanded dismissal of the Dharamsot and a time-bound probe by a sitting High Court judge. No senior official of the rank of an additional chief secretary can submit a fake report to the chief secretary. The report must be having evidence and despite this, the government is silent on the issue.”

The state unit of the BJP has also raised the demand for Dharamsot’s dismissal. The BJP on Friday held demonstrations across the state, burning effigies of the congress minister. The leaders are demanding a CBI inquiry claiming that it was the central funds that had been misused by the minister.

Sunny Higonabhajpa

, Executive Secretary BJP SC Morcha, Punjab, said if no action will be taken against Dharmasot, the Dalit community will intensify its stir and will block rail and road traffic in the state.

SAD leader

Prem Singh Chandumajra

said it was very unfortunate the leaders and ministers of the congress were indulging in wrongdoings of all sorts. “Be it illicit liquor, mining or drugs, the Congress has failed on all fronts. He said the party has also demanded a central probe is a must to check this give & take. Minister should be dismissed immediately,” he said.

Stay updated with the latest news on Times of India. Don't miss the yearly horoscope 2025 and Chinese horoscope 2025 for Rat, Ox, Tiger, Rabbit, Dragon, Snake, Horse, Goat, Monkey, Rooster, Dog, and Pig zodiac signs. Spread love this holiday season with these New Year wishes and messages.