A team from the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) conducted a raid on the Trident Group’s Dhaula manufacturing unit in Barnala district on Thursday evening. This significant action follows closely on the heels of Padma Shri recipient and Trident Group chairman emeritus Rajinder Gupta’s high-profile defection from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
The raid, involving over ten officials arriving in multiple vehicles, remained ongoing at the time of initial reports. It has intensified political discourse in Punjab, particularly given the timing. Gupta was one of seven AAP Rajya Sabha MPs who made the switch to the BJP on April 24, a move that has sparked considerable controversy.
Political Realignment and Past Connections
Rajinder Gupta’s political career has seen him hold influential positions across various state administrations. He served as vice-chairman of the Punjab State Planning Board under both the SAD-BJP government (2012-2017) and the subsequent Congress government (2017-2022), a post equivalent to Cabinet rank. Following the AAP’s ascent to power, he was appointed vice-chairman of the Punjab State Economic Policy and Planning Board in June 2022, also a Cabinet-rank position, before resigning to enter the Rajya Sabha.
His defection to the BJP, along with other AAP MPs, has been met with strong reactions. AAP workers have reportedly protested against the defectors, with slogans like “gaddar” (traitor) spray-painted on walls outside Gupta’s Ludhiana residence and Barnala factory. Similar protests were observed at the properties of other switching MPs.
Trident Unit's History of Scrutiny
This is not the first time Trident Group’s Dhaula unit has faced public scrutiny. In July 2022, farmers associated with the BKU (Ugrahan) union staged protests, alleging severe water pollution and foul odors emanating from the industrial premises. At that time, Trident management denied all allegations, and no significant action was taken by the then-incumbent AAP government.
The BJP has been quick to criticize the PPCB raid, alleging that it is politically motivated and a retaliatory measure by the AAP government following the high-profile defections. The incident underscores the escalating political tensions in Punjab, with industrial compliance issues now intertwined with the state’s dynamic political landscape.