Opposition corners AAP government in Punjab as NCSC chief meets kin of daily wager who ‘poisoned himself’
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes is investigating the death of a Punjab daily wager who allegedly died by suicide after being threatened by local political figures. Opposition parties are using the incident to demand the resignation of the state's Finance Minister.
Why it matters
The case highlights ongoing tensions regarding political accountability and the protection of marginalized communities in Punjab.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) has sought a detailed report on the death of Gulzar Singh, a Punjab daily wager who allegedly died by suicide after being "threatened”. NCSC Chairman Kishor Makwana met the family of the deceased on Thursday (September 10, 2026), even as opposition parties cornered the AAP government.
Opposition parties, including the Congress, the Shiromani Akali Dal, and the BJP, demanded immediate dismissal of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the death of the 47-year-old on the night of September 7 after allegedly consuming poison. The opposition has been alleging that he was under pressure from local AAP leaders to apologise for questioning Mr. Cheema over the drug menace in his village during an event at Dirba in Sangrur district on September 6.
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