 "Bhagwant Mann's BIG ACTION: Anti-Corruption helpline in Punjab from March 23")
Punjab Chief Minister has announced launching an anti-corruption helpline in Punjab. Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today announced launching an anti-corruption helpline in the state from March 23, Shaheed Diwas. Moreover, the helpline number will be "Bhagwant Mann's personal mobile number", his office said. "On March 23, Shaheed Diwas I'll launch helpline that'll be my personal WhatsApp number. In Punjab,if someone demands a bribe from you, don't refuse, make a video/audio recording and send it to that number. My office will investigate&no culprit will be spared," Mann was quoted as saying by news agency ANI.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal urged people to make videos and send them to government's WhatsApp nuber if someone asks for a bribe in Punjab.
"When someone asks you for a bribe then don't say no, instead record the conversation and send the video/audio to the WhatsApp no," AAP chief Kejriwal said.
"We assure you that immediately strict action will be taken," he added.
In a video message, Mann reminded people that when the AAP came to power in Delhi, people were asked to provide videos of corrupt officials. "With this, corruption ended completely in Delhi," he claimed.
"In the coming days, we will launch such a helpline number that will be my personal WhatsApp number. If anyone demands a bribe from you, do not refuse it. Record a video or audio of it and send it to this number. I guarantee you, our office will examine it and no corrupt person will be spared and strict action will be taken," he said.
Mann said this helpline number will be launched on March 23, the death anniversary of freedom fighter Bhagat Singh.
The chief minister said it will be a big announcement in the history of Punjab.
During an online briefing, Kejriwal recalled he had done something similar in his first stint in Delhi that lasted 49 days.
"When I had formed the government for the first time, I had also issued a WhatsApp number. During those 49 days, we took action against 30-32 officials by sending them to jail. Corruption was eradicated in Delhi and the phone became the biggest weapon of empowerment of the common public," he said.
"It's been 75 years since we have gained independence but we still have to pay bribes. All parties have indulged in corruption. The Aam Aadmi Party is the first party to run an honest government.
"Kejriwal and his ministers, Mann and his ministers are not corrupt. We don't want 'hafta' (protection money). Just like we eradicated corruption in Delhi, we will end it in Punjab as well," he said.
Kejriwal assured people that strict action will be taken on their complaints.
Mann took oath as Punjab chief minister on Wednesday. The AAP stormed to power after winning 92 seats in the 117-member Punjab Assembly.
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