Congress Condemns Tarn Taran Shooting, Questions Punjab Government's Leadership
In the aftermath of a violent shooting incident in Tarn Taran, the Congress party has launched a sharp critique of the Punjab state government, demanding accountability and urgent action to restore public safety. The attack resulted in the tragic death of AAP sarpanch Harpreet Singh and left his cousin with serious injuries, sparking widespread concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in the region.
Randhawa Demands Responsibility and Fresh Mandate
Former deputy chief minister and Member of Parliament Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa has been vocal in his condemnation, directly questioning who should bear responsibility for the incident. "Who will take responsibility for this—the Chief Minister, the Director General of Police, or someone else?" Randhawa asserted, emphasizing that Punjab requires firm and capable leadership to rebuild public confidence.
He accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of failing to maintain law and order, urging him to resign and seek a fresh mandate through mid-term elections. Randhawa highlighted that ongoing violence and the persistent drug problem are exacting a heavy toll on the lives of Punjab's residents, creating an atmosphere of fear and instability.
Criticism of Police Leadership and Operation Prahar
Randhawa also targeted the state police leadership, alleging that senior officials are preoccupied with political gatherings while violent incidents continue unabated. Referring to the government's anti-gangster initiative, Operation Prahar, he stressed that the drive must yield visible, tangible results on the ground rather than remaining confined to mere announcements and publicity.
Pargat Singh Highlights Public Fear and Policing Failures
Echoing these concerns, former education minister and MLA Pargat Singh pointed out that repeated incidents of firing and targeted killings have instilled deep fear among the public. "How do such attacks continue to occur, and where does the law and order machinery stand when people feel unsafe even at social functions and celebrations?" he questioned, underscoring the gravity of the situation.
Pargat Singh cited the recent shooting in Sangrur, where a young man was killed inside his own home, as evidence of policing inadequacies. Despite claims of deploying 2,000 police teams with 12,000 personnel to combat gangsters, he noted that violence persists, raising doubts about the effectiveness of current measures.
Calls for Concrete Action Beyond Slogans
As the chief minister also holds the Home portfolio, Pargat Singh urged Bhagwant Mann to take decisive, concrete steps to restore public confidence. He called on the government to move beyond political slogans and implement robust, effective strategies to ensure the safety and security of all citizens in Punjab.
The Congress party's statements reflect growing frustration with the state's handling of security issues, positioning the Tarn Taran shooting as a critical test of governance and leadership in Punjab.
