Latest news with #RamanArora
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
AAP Jalandhar Central MLA in jail, seat gets in-charge: new inductee & industrialist Nitin Kohli
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday formally inducted Nitin Kohli, a leading industrialist and president of Hockey Punjab, into the party, and appointed him as the Jalandhar Central Assembly in-charge. The move is being widely seen as a strategic attempt by AAP to reclaim ground in the politically sensitive Jalandhar Central constituency, which recently witnessed turbulence following the arrest of its sitting MLA, Raman Arora, in a Vigilance case on May 23. Raman Arora was arrested by the Vigilance Bureau for allegedly indulging in corruption in connivance with an official of the Jalandhar Municipal Corporation. While the induction ceremony featured standard expressions of welcome and gratitude, a deeper reading reveals that AAP is recalibrating its political narrative in Punjab; moving from anti-corruption slogans alone to incorporating economic competence, sectoral credibility, and class realignment. Kohli's induction is not merely symbolic. It reflects AAP's growing efforts to attract technocrats and professionals from outside the traditional political class, according to political experts. The appointment of a successful entrepreneur and sports administrator like Kohli comes at a time when AAP is attempting to shed its image as a Delhi-centric experiment and assert its governance model in Punjab with broader socio-economic appeal. 'AAP doesn't believe in dynasties. We give power to the capable,' said AAP Punjab chief Aman Arora, underlining the party's contrast with legacy parties like Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal. 'Nitin Kohli's clean image, entrepreneurial spirit, and dedication to public welfare align perfectly with AAP's principles. AAP provides a platform for capable individuals to excel and serve. Under the leadership of Kejriwal and Mann, those who adhere to the party's principles of clean politics will achieve great heights,' he added. With Kohli's deep roots sports, business, and education sectors, his appointment allows AAP to tap into Punjab's aspirational middle and business class, especially in urban-industrial constituencies like Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Amritsar. However, the timing of Kohli's rise within the party cannot be overlooked. Just six days after AAP MLA Raman Arora's arrest in a vigilance case, the party was facing criticism for internal contradictions in its clean-governance narrative. Kohli's entry is viewed as a political damage control mechanism—projecting an 'untainted' and successful face to reassure both voters and the local business community. AAP's Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia, while speaking at the event, has reinforced this positioning. 'AAP is the only party that takes immediate action against wrongdoing, even if the individual belongs to our party. We do not shield anyone,' he said. With this induction, AAP seems to be testing a new formula in Punjab —leveraging the credibility and influence of non-political industrialists who have strong community linkages and administrative potential. Kohli's background as managing director of Hike Shoe Pvt Ltd, chairman of Punjab Leather Federation, and educationist with Cambridge International School brings diverse social capital into the party fold. His track record in sports governance, especially his role in elevating his family brand Vijayanti in global hockey equipment manufacturing and serving as vice-president of Hockey India, adds to his profile as a development-oriented leader. AAP's bet seems to be that voters, especially in semi-urban and urban Punjab, are increasingly receptive to non-political problem solvers who carry the promise of job creation, better governance, and global exposure. Kohli's induction could signal the start of AAP's next phase in Punjab, moving beyond its 2022 landslide victory to build localised leadership in key urban constituencies. Jalandhar, a city with a mixed demography of industrial workers, professionals, and youth, presents a ripe opportunity for AAP to build a class coalition that spans from working-class families to small and medium business owners. After his induction in the presence of AAP Punjab chief Aman Arora and Sisodia, Kohli said, 'I am deeply impressed by the AAP's focus on industries and their commitment to Punjab's development. This is the party that genuinely prioritises the welfare of citizens. I am eager to contribute to the growth of industries and the welfare of Jalandhar under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann.' The political experts felt that his induction matters a lot to AAP because Kohli brings economic credibility to AAP in a business-heavy district. Also, his induction helps fill the vacuum created by the recent vigilance case against Raman Arora.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
AAP's Jalandhar Central MLA Raman Arora in custody of vigilance bureau for corruption, party appoints industrialist Nitin Kohli as in-charge of his seat
Jalandhar: With its Jalandhar Central MLA Raman Arora still in the custody of vigilance bureau in a corruption case, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has inducted Jalandhar-based industrialist Nitin Kohli into the party and appointed him as the legislative constituency's in-charge. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now During the induction, AAP Punjab affairs in-charge Manish Sisodia emphasised that Kohli had been helping the party from the start and he was now "formally joining" the party. "Our own MLA (Raman Arora) broke the trust of people and he did a few things due to which the govt had to take action. When the state govt and vigilance bureau got information about his wrongdoings, they quickly took action," he said. "This shows AAP does not spare even its own if they indulge in corruption. " AAP state president Aman Arora and state working president Sherry Kalsi were also present. "Kohli has been already showing leadership qualities. Now he will open an office in the constituency and serve people," Sisodia said. Sisodia claimed that Kohli's joining was a manifestation of trust being expressed by industrialists, businessmen, and traders in AAP and the state govt. "This expression of trust shows the atmosphere in Punjab is good," he said. Kohli added that anti-corruption agencies in Punjab had a free hand. On his part, Kohli said after Lovely Professional University chancellor Ashok Mittal and Sanjeev Arora, both Rajya Sabha members, joined AAP, industrialists started having great faith in AAP and now it is increasing. On the occasion, several industrialists and businessmen from Jalandhar were present. This is the first instance in which AAP has appointed a constituency in-charge after an MLA was arrested on corruption charges. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Such a drastic step was not taken after arrest of Mansa MLA and former health minister Vijay Singla and Bathinda Rural MLA Amit Ratan Kotfatta, who were also held under corruption charges, and they continue to function in their constituencies. Arora's VB custody extended by 4 days AAP MLA from Jalandhar Central seat Raman Arora was produced in a court here on Thursday and remanded in the custody of vigilance bureau for another four days. He was brought to court on the completion of his previous five-day custody of VB. Arora's counsel opposed the extension in VB custody, and arguments took place for around an hour. The VB informed the court that some other complainants came to them against Arora. MC building branch official arrested A woman inspector of Jalandhar municipal corporation's building branch has also been arrested by the vigilance bureau. Earlier, ATP Sukhdev Vashisht's arrest had led to the arrest of AAP MLA Raman Arora. The arrested inspector was brought to civil hospital on Thursday night for a medical examination.
Indian Express
3 days ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
After Raman Arora's arrest, AAP ropes in industrialist Nitin Kohli in Jalandhar
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Wednesday formally inducted Nitin Kohli, a leading industrialist and president of Hockey Punjab, into the party, and appointed him as the Jalandhar Central Assembly in-charge. The move is being widely seen as a strategic attempt by AAP to reclaim ground in the politically sensitive Jalandhar Central constituency, which recently witnessed turbulence following the arrest of its sitting MLA, Raman Arora, in a Vigilance case on May 23. While the induction ceremony featured standard expressions of welcome and gratitude, a deeper reading reveals that AAP is recalibrating its political narrative in Punjab; moving from anti-corruption slogans alone to incorporating economic competence, sectoral credibility, and class realignment. Kohli's induction is not merely symbolic. It reflects AAP's growing efforts to attract technocrats and professionals from outside the traditional political class, according to political experts. The appointment of a successful entrepreneur and sports administrator like Kohli comes at a time when AAP is attempting to shed its image as a Delhi-centric experiment and assert its governance model in Punjab with broader socio-economic appeal. 'AAP doesn't believe in dynasties. We give power to the capable,' said AAP Punjab chief Aman Arora, underlining the party's contrast with legacy parties like Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal. With Kohli's deep roots sports, business, and education sectors, his appointment allows AAP to tap into Punjab's aspirational middle and business class, especially in urban-industrial constituencies like Jalandhar, Ludhiana, and Amritsar. However, the timing of Kohli's rise within the party cannot be overlooked. Just six days after AAP MLA Raman Arora's arrest in a vigilance case, the party was facing criticism for internal contradictions in its clean-governance narrative. Kohli's entry is viewed as a political damage control mechanism—projecting an 'untainted' and successful face to reassure both voters and the local business community. AAP's Punjab in-charge Manish Sisodia, while speaking at the event, has reinforced this positioning. 'AAP is the only party that takes immediate action against wrongdoing, even if the individual belongs to our party. We do not shield anyone,' he said. With this induction, AAP seems to be testing a new formula in Punjab —leveraging the credibility and influence of non-political industrialists who have strong community linkages and administrative potential. Kohli's background as managing director of Hike Shoe Pvt Ltd, chairman of Punjab Leather Federation, and educationist with Cambridge International School brings diverse social capital into the party fold. His track record in sports governance, especially his role in elevating his family brand Vijayanti in global hockey equipment manufacturing and serving as vice-president of Hockey India, adds to his profile as a development-oriented leader. AAP's bet seems to be that voters, especially in semi-urban and urban Punjab, are increasingly receptive to non-political problem solvers who carry the promise of job creation, better governance, and global exposure. Kohli's induction could signal the start of AAP's next phase in Punjab, moving beyond its 2022 landslide victory to build localised leadership in key urban constituencies. Jalandhar, a city with a mixed demography of industrial workers, professionals, and youth, presents a ripe opportunity for AAP to build a class coalition that spans from working-class families to small and medium business owners. After his induction in the presence of AAP Punjab chief Aman Arora and Sisodia, Kohli said, 'I am eager to contribute to Jalandhar's growth under the leadership of Kejriwal ji and Mann ji'. The political experts felt that his induction matters a lot to AAP because Kohli brings economic credibility to AAP in a business-heavy district. Also, his induction helps fill the vacuum created by the recent vigilance case against Raman Arora.
Time of India
25-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
AAP MLA Raman Arora sent to 5-day Vigilance Bureau remand in corruption case; his lawyer calls it 'political vendetta'
Jalandhar: Jalandhar Central Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Raman Arora , arrested in a corruption case , has been sent to five days of remand by the court. His lawyer has alleged that the case is politically motivated. AAP MLA Raman Arora has been sent on a 5-day Punjab Vigilance Bureau remand on corruption charges. Raman Arora was presented before the court on Saturday after his arrest. The vigilance department had asked for 10 days of remand, but the court granted five. His counsel, Advocate Darshan Singh Dyal, said the case appears to be a " political vendetta ." He claimed that the items recovered from Arora's house, including gold, Rs 6 lakh in cash, and several documents, were already listed in the affidavit Arora submitted during the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections. Speaking to ANI, AAP MLA Raman Arora's counsel, Adv Darshan Singh Dyal, said, "This case seems like a political statement of Sukhdev , who has been in police remand for the last 8 days, has been alleged jewellery and cash recovered from his place are included in the list from where he contested past elections. He had these things with himself before being an has been sent to remand for 5 days..." Live Events Advocate Dyal added that Arora's name is not mentioned in any of the 123 FIRs related to the arrest of ATP ( Assistant Town Planner ) Sukhdev Vashisht . The FIR only states that a person demanded money but does not name anyone specifically. He also said there is no evidence or recorded statement that Arora made any deal or demanded bribes. Late last night, Arora's medical examination was conducted at the Civil Hospital in Jalandhar, but he was not taken out of the car. Meanwhile, the police visited his house again this morning to search his home and car. The vigilance team also questioned Arora's personal assistants (PAs), Rohit Kapoor and Honey Bhatia. Rohit told officials he only looked after police-related matters. A late-night raid at Honey Bhatia's house led to the recovery of a pen drive, laptop, and several documents. The vigilance also raided the house of a local commission agent, Mahesh Makhija, in Charanjitpura and took him in for questioning. Economic Times WhatsApp channel )
India Today
24-05-2025
- Politics
- India Today
AAP MLA Raman Arora, arrested in corruption case, sent to 5-day police custody
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA Raman Arora was sent to five-day police custody on Saturday, following his arrest on corruption charges. The Punjab Vigilance Bureau arrested the Jalandhar Central legislator on May bureau accused the AAP MLA of extorting people by issuing illegal notices in collusion with officials from the Municipal investigation revealed that Arora and Assistant Town Planner (ATP) Sukhdev Vashisht conspired to issue unlawful notices threatening building owners with sealing and demolition, demanding illegal gratification in exchange for withdrawing or resolving the his arrest, the AAP Party said the government acted on credible inputs and took swift action against its own arrest came under the Punjab Government's zero-tolerance drive on corruption in public service, led by Chief Minister Bhagwant bureau received a joint complaint on May 14, 2025, from the Engineers and Building Designer Association in Jalandhar. The complaint alleged that Sukhdev Vashisht often demanded illegal payments and used intimidation tactics to threaten property the complaint, the bureau registered an FIR against Vashisht under the Prevention of Corruption Act and arrested him on the same held the additional charge of ATP at Jalandhar Municipal Corporation while formally posted as Senior Draftsman in searches of Vashisht's office and residence, investigators recovered hundreds of unauthorised construction notices, some of which were not even logged officially, alongside other incriminating investigation uncovered that Vashisht and MLA Raman Arora used a specific modus operandi – identifying unauthorised constructions, serving illegal notices and then demanding bribes through the MLA to clear files without 75-80 such notices linked to this nexus have been recovered so far by the bureau continues the process of verification of all related documents with technical teams, including the Local Bodies Department, uncovering multiple Watch advertisement IN THIS STORY#Punjab
