Punjab's political landscape is tense following the brutal killing of a village headman affiliated with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), prompting a stern warning from a senior minister and fierce criticism from opposition parties over the state's deteriorating law and order situation.
Minister's Stern Warning After Sarpanch's Murder
Punjab Minister and AAP state president Aman Arora issued a strong warning on Monday, stating that those responsible for the "heinous crime" of killing Valtoha Sandhuan sarpanch Jarmal Singh, and anyone backing them, would face severe consequences. Arora's statement came after he visited the grieving family of the slain leader in Amritsar.
Jarnail Singh, a loyal AAP member, was shot dead on Sunday. Expressing deep condolences, Minister Arora assured the family of the Punjab government's unwavering support. He described the deceased as a selfless and noble-hearted man who was always ready to help people from his village and the surrounding area.
Opposition Mounts Scathing Attack on Mann Government
The minister's assurances, however, were met with sharp criticism from opposition leaders who accused the Bhagwant Mann-led administration of failing to maintain basic security. Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring alleged that criminal gangs now operate with complete impunity in the state, not even bothering to hide their identities during violent acts.
"The killers show no fear of the law," Warring claimed. He argued that criminals now openly claim responsibility for murders, as it boosts their extortion capabilities and street power.
BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh called for all political parties to unite to protect Punjab from what he termed "anti-national forces and criminal networks" thriving under the current regime. He made a striking comparison, stating, "Even during the peak years of separatism and militancy, the people of Punjab were not as frightened and terrorised as they are today under the misrule of the Bhagwant Mann govt."
Accusations of a Complete Law & Order Collapse
Adding to the chorus of criticism, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal stated that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has failed in his dual role as CM and Home Minister and has no right to remain in office. Speaking to the media in Bathinda, she declared a "complete collapse" of law and order.
"Gangsters are having a free run and are indulging in extortion and killings at will," Badal alleged. She listed several recent violent incidents to underscore her point:
- The daylight murder of sarpanch Jarmal Singh during a wedding celebration in Amritsar.
- The murder of an NRI woman in Kapurthala.
- The killing of a panchayat member in Moga.
The opposition's unified attack highlights the growing political challenge for the AAP government, which now faces immense pressure to demonstrate control and deliver justice in the murder case that has shaken the state's political and social fabric.
