Aam Aadmi Party leader Baltej Pannu launched a fierce counter-offensive against the Bharatiya Janata Party on Friday, vehemently rejecting allegations that Punjab's law and order situation has deteriorated. The senior AAP figure accused the saffron party of a deliberate campaign to tarnish the state's image.
Punjab Among Safest States, Claims AAP Leader
In a strongly-worded rebuttal, Pannu asserted that Punjab continues to be one of the most secure and stable states in India. He drew a direct comparison with several states currently under BJP governance. "The reality of public safety becomes clear when you compare data," Pannu stated, pointing specifically to Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Haryana. He claimed that these BJP-ruled states have witnessed a genuine collapse in law and order, unlike Punjab.
Gangster's Jail Call Exposes BJP's Failure: Pannu
The AAP leader sharpened his attack by referencing a recent controversy involving incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. An alleged audio call, which went viral, purportedly shows Bishnoi making threats and attempting to orchestrate gang wars from inside a high-security prison in Gujarat – a state governed by the BJP.
"This exposes the shocking truth," Pannu declared. "A notorious gangster, lodged in a high-security jail under the BJP's watch in Gujarat, is freely making phone calls, issuing threats, and trying to fuel gang wars. The critical question for the BJP is: How is he getting access to a mobile phone inside a BJP-run prison?" He argued that this incident proves the real threat to national security stems from political forces that are "actively enabling" criminals, not from Punjab.
Political Battle Over Security Narratives
Pannu's comments signify an escalating political war of words over the narrative surrounding security and governance. The AAP leader framed the BJP's criticism of Punjab as a politically motivated strategy to malign the state government led by his party. He turned the spotlight back on the BJP's administrative record in other states, attempting to shift the debate on law and order.
The confrontation highlights the ongoing tension between the two parties, with Punjab being a key battleground. By citing the Lawrence Bishnoi case, the AAP aims to challenge the BJP's national credibility on security matters and defend its own performance in Punjab. This exchange is likely to intensify the political discourse around crime and policing in the lead-up to future elections.