SAD Demands Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann's Immediate Resignation Over Security Failures
The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) has issued a forceful demand for the resignation of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, asserting that he has "lost the moral authority" to remain in office. This demand follows what the party describes as a severe collapse of law and order and a "failure of constitutional machinery" across the state.
Senior Leader Highlights Police Killings and Terror Threats
Addressing the media at Anandpur Sahib in Ropar, senior SAD leader Daljit Singh Cheema pointed to the recent killing of an Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) and a head constable near Dorangala police station in Gurdaspur district as a critical example of the deteriorating security situation. "Even police personnel are not safe," Cheema emphasized, noting that the incident occurred close to the international border, raising significant concerns.
Cheema further detailed previous security breaches, including attacks by terror outfits:
- A rocket launcher attack on the State Intelligence headquarters.
- Grenade lobbing at police stations within the border belt.
Chief Minister Held Directly Accountable
As the head of the home department, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann bears direct responsibility for these failures, according to Cheema. "It is clear the chief minister is incapable of leading the home ministry," he stated. Cheema called for Mann to take moral responsibility for the escalating violence, citing "multiple killings — 25 this month alone", some of which occurred outside police stations and court complexes.
On the Dorangala shooting, Cheema alleged severe lapses in police response:
- The police remained clueless about the incident for nearly 12 hours.
- Authorities have still not traced the attackers involved.
Contrast in Governance and Call for Reset
Cheema criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's approach, contrasting its handling of law and order with its actions against other groups. He accused CM Mann of creating a "police state" by:
- Tear-gassing farmers during protests.
- Ordering arrests without reasonable cause.
- Registering false cases against media personnel and political opponents.
Despite these measures, Cheema argued that the government has failed to curb gangsters and terror outfits, who are now "calling the shots" in Punjab. "Only Bhagwant Mann's removal can reset governance in Punjab," he concluded, urging immediate action to address the security crisis and restore public confidence in the state's administration.
