‘Gangland', ‘jungle raj': Opp parties slam AAP govt, demand CM's resignation

Indian Express

15 hours ago

The Opposition parties in Punjab termed the daylight murder of a businessman by some unknown bikers in Abohar as another reminder that the state's law and order has 'totally collapsed' and demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann resign from the post.
Three assailants fired several times at businessman Sanjay Verma, as he stepped down from his car near his showroom in Abohar. Verma was rushed to the local civil hospital, where doctors declared him brought dead. Several trade associations have called for a complete shutdown of markets in protest against the killing.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said that if the CM had even an iota of self respect, he should tender his resignation and he has failed to manage the Home Department and Punjab Police effectively. Bajwa also demanded that the forthcoming Assembly session must see a debate on deteriorating law and order situation in state.
'A well known businessman has been shot dead. A few days back a doctor in Moga was also shot at and is battling for his life. There needs to be a discussion on law and order in the Vidhan Sabha. We are never allowed to do so by the government and the Speaker. No Punjabi is safe today especially those who are successful businessmen and those who have done well abroad. I demand that if Mann cannot run this government then he should resign as Chief Minister,' said Bajwa.
He said getting extortion calls from gangsters has become the norm in the state. Mann was just the face of the government while the real power was being wielded by others who are running the Home Ministry, he said. 'Arvind Kejriwal is running the government and you have abandoned the role of protector of Punjab for saving CM's chair,' he said to Mann.
Bajwa further accused the ruling party and Punjab Police of using gangsters for furthering political agenda. 'When someone gets a phone call for extortion, the police tells them that either they should settle the matter with the caller or the police will help them do so,' Bajwa said.
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal termed the murder 'a reflection of the prevailing jungle raj' in the state. 'Law and order in Punjab has plummeted to its lowest point. Businessmen, doctors, artists, and athletes are facing grave threats from extortionists,' he said.
Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar said the killing was an 'eerie reminder' of Punjab's law and order collapsing. 'Deafening silence of the AAP government after each such killing only emboldens the gangsters. CM Mann must tell Punjabis who is responsible for this blot on Punjab's name. Wake up, it's already too late,' Jakhar said on X.
Punjab Congress chief Amrinder Singh Raja Warring alleged that Punjab was turning into a 'gangland' under the Aam Aadmi Party's rule.
'It is a strange situation where the common man is living in fear and terror while the criminals and gangsters are going scot-free as they do not have any fear of law', Warring said .
The PCC chief also visited Dr Aniljit Singh Kambhoj who survived a similar murderous attack a few days ago in Moga.
'In both the incidents criminal gangs are suspected to be involved. What is the Punjab Police doing? This calls for stringent action lest the situation gets completely out of control,' Warring said.
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar, a native of Abohar, criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government. 'The daylight murder in Abohar is yet another eerie reminder that Punjab's law and order has collapsed. The deafening silence of the AAP government after each such killing only emboldens the gangsters. CM Bhagwant Mann must tell Punjabis who is responsible for this blot on Punjab's name,' Jakhar said.