Leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) have launched a sharp attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, condemning the registration of a police case against RTI activist Manik Goyal and nine other individuals. The group, which includes web journalists and social media influencers, was targeted with an FIR, prompting accusations that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government is undermining democratic freedoms.
Political Outcry Over "Police State" Tactics
On Thursday, senior opposition figures united in their criticism, urging CM Mann to refrain from what they termed as transforming a democracy into a police state. The controversy centers on questions raised about the usage of the chief minister's government helicopter.
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar took to social media platform X to address Mann directly. He reminded the CM that he once encouraged citizens to question their leaders. Jakhar's post questioned the logic behind filing cases against those who sought accountability regarding the helicopter's use, asking, "Is this democracy?" and imploring Mann not to strangle democratic norms.
Accusations of Intimidation and Emergency-Era Tactics
The criticism was not limited to state leaders. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh joined the fray, labeling the FIR a blatant act of intimidation against media personnel. He drew a parallel to the days of the Emergency, stating that such actions were equivalent to strangling democracy. Chugh argued that the AAP government, which originated from a people's movement, has now turned hostile towards the public and democratic institutions, revealing a fear of transparency and a reliance on bullying tactics.
Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal also voiced strong condemnation on X. He accused Mann of unleashing repression against independent journalists and activists who have been highlighting the government's alleged anti-Punjab stance. Badal described the case as false and trumped-up, calling it a desperate move to silence the independent media and conceal the failures of the AAP government in Punjab. He further alleged that these actions were being directed by the AAP's high command in Delhi.
A Test for Democratic Principles in Punjab
The unified opposition backlash underscores a significant political clash in Punjab, framing the FIR as a pivotal moment for civil liberties and press freedom under the Mann administration. The incident has sparked a broader debate about the space for dissent and scrutiny in the state, with opposition parties positioning themselves as defenders of democratic accountability against what they perceive as authoritarian overreach. The government's response to this escalating pressure remains to be seen.
