Punjab BJP Stages Protest at Chief Minister's Residence in Chandigarh
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar led a significant protest at the Chief Minister's residence in Chandigarh on Friday. The demonstration aimed to question the Aam Aadmi Party government's performance on several critical fronts.
Jakhar Criticizes AAP Government's Failures
Sunil Jakhar made strong statements during the protest. He asserted that the people of Punjab will not accept Arvind Kejriwal as a super chief minister of the state. Jakhar emphasized that Bhagwant Mann holds the constitutional position of chief minister. He declared that Punjab's residents themselves will address Mann's failures in governance.
The BJP leader highlighted multiple areas where he believes the AAP government has fallen short. He pointed to the deteriorating law and order situation across Punjab. Jakhar mentioned rising gangsterism as a particular concern. He also criticized what he described as widespread corruption and the persistent spread of drugs in the state.
Protest Details and Police Action
BJP leaders and supporters marched towards the Chief Minister's official residence. Police stopped them at a barricade before they could reach their destination. The protesters then sat on a dharna at the location. Authorities later took them into preventive custody. Police transported the demonstrators away in buses before releasing them.
Jakhar's Direct Appeal to Bhagwant Mann
Addressing the gathering, Sunil Jakhar made a personal appeal to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He urged Mann to protect his turban and not let Punjab's honor be trampled by leaders from Delhi. Jakhar claimed that AAP originally came to Punjab to secure House No. 50 for Arvind Kejriwal. He suggested this made Kejriwal the de facto ruler of the state.
The BJP president stated that Punjab's people want a Punjabi to serve as their chief minister. He argued they will not tolerate outsiders coming to rule their state. Jakhar mentioned that the BJP came to help Mann reclaim his authority. He criticized Mann for deploying police to stop the protest, saying this action only harmed the chief minister's own position.
Specific Allegations Against the Government
Jakhar presented several specific criticisms of the AAP government's performance. He claimed that common people in Punjab do not feel safe under the current administration. The BJP leader alleged that a gangster raj prevails across the state. He said there is no proper protection for life and property of citizens.
The senior politician also accused the government of stalling development works. He stated that corruption has reached its peak under AAP's rule. Jakhar reminded everyone that Punjab removed two previous governments over sacrilege issues. He noted that four years have passed without action on promises Bhagwant Mann made regarding this matter.
Drug Policy and Anti-Drone System Criticisms
The BJP president questioned the government's approach to combating drugs. He mentioned that last year, the administration launched a three-month war against drugs. Jakhar claimed drug abuse continued to increase despite this initiative. He said the government recently launched a second phase of this campaign. By expressing lack of trust in the police during this launch, Jakhar argued, the government openly admitted its failure.
Jakhar also raised concerns about an anti-drone system installed at a cost of Rs 55 crore. He demanded that the government make public the success rate of this system. Hinting at possible corruption, the BJP leader claimed the system has a failure rate of 99.70 percent. He stated that the project has completely failed and called for accountability regarding this alleged misuse of public money.
Media Freedom and Democratic Norms
The BJP president condemned what he described as attacks on media freedom. He mentioned cases against journalists and vindictive action against the Punjab Kesari Group. Jakhar suggested these actions signal the impending end of the AAP government. He accused the administration of forgetting democratic norms.
Jakhar announced that a party delegation will meet the governor of Punjab on January 17 to discuss these issues. Other BJP leaders including working president Ashwani Sharma, Union minister of state Ravneet Singh Bittu, and senior leader Manoranjan Kalia also addressed the gathering during the protest.
