SAD, BJP Launch Scathing Attack on AAP Government After Party Leader's Murder in Jalandhar
The political atmosphere in Punjab has intensified following the shocking daylight murder of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Lucky Oberoi in Jalandhar. The incident, which occurred outside a Gurdwara, has triggered fierce condemnation from opposition parties, who are blaming the ruling AAP government for a complete breakdown of law and order in the state.
Badal Decries "Anarchy" Under AAP's "Zero Fear" Government
Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal took to social media platform X to express his outrage. In a strongly worded post, Badal asserted that "Punjab is bleeding under the Aam Aadmi Party's 'zero fear' government." He highlighted the vulnerability even within the ruling party, stating, "Even AAP leaders are not safe in their own government!"
Badal cited the murder of Lucky Oberoi as a prime example of the deteriorating security situation. He provided alarming statistics, claiming that nearly 25 murders had occurred in January 2026 alone, following 9 in the first week of the year. He emphasized that these violent acts are happening with impunity in public spaces, including court complexes, busy marketplaces, wedding venues, and now, religious sites.
Directly questioning the efficacy of state police efforts, Badal asked, "Where is the Punjab Police's much-hyped 'war on gangsters'?" He concluded his criticism by declaring the current state of affairs as "anarchy, not governance" and called for Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's resignation, saying he "does not deserve to be in the chair even for one more day."
BJP Echoes Concerns Over "Goonda Raj" in Punjab
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) joined the chorus of criticism. Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma described the law and order situation in the state as "extremely worrying." He attributed the crisis to a lack of authority, stating, "There is neither fear of the uniform nor fear of the government, due to which goonda raj is openly prevailing in the state."
Sharma pointed out the grave implications of Oberoi's murder, noting that the victim was a close associate of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. "When an AAP leader and a close associate of the chief minister is shot dead openly outside a Gurdwara, it raises a serious question about Punjab's security system," Sharma stated. He argued that if the security of someone closely linked to the chief minister cannot be guaranteed, it erodes any sense of safety for the common citizen.
The murder of Lucky Oberoi has thus become a focal point for opposition parties to challenge the AAP administration's grip on security and governance in Punjab, with calls for accountability growing louder.
