In a scathing attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PCC) president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring has accused the state government of deliberately pushing Punjab towards a state of "anarchy and bloodshed." He alleged this is being done by promoting and patronising gangsters to secure electoral victories.
Following a Delhi Playbook: Saam, Daam, Dand, Bhed
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Warring claimed the Punjab government appears to be meticulously implementing the strategy of "saam, daam, dand, bhed" – a phrase associated with former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia that translates to persuasion, reward, punishment, and division. He asserted this approach is being followed in both letter and spirit across the state.
The Congress leader alleged the AAP is "scared and panic-stricken" at the prospect of losing upcoming elections, realizing that "the ground has slipped from beneath its feet." He pointed to the government's alleged reluctance to hold zila parishad and block samiti elections, claiming it only proceeded due to court intervention.
A Stern Warning to Police 'Yes-Men'
Warring issued a firm and direct warning to police officers across Punjab, whom he accused of acting as "yes-men" and "errand boys" for the ruling party. He declared that such officers would be "strictly dealt with according to law" once the government changes, adding a stark message: "We will neither forget, nor forgive."
He alleged that a majority of Senior Superintendents of Police (SSPs), Deputy Superintendents (DSPs), Station House Officers (SHOs), and other police post in-charges have "completely surrendered" to the AAP. Warring claimed that even without explicit orders, officials are proactively doing the "AAP's bidding," leading to a situation where gangsters have "started ruling the roost" in Punjab.
Referring to a purported audio clip featuring the SSP of Patiala allegedly instructing subordinates to obstruct opposition candidates from filing nominations, Warring demanded a thorough investigation. He stated that if the clip is verified as genuine, the involved officers should be dismissed from service immediately.
Specific Allegations of Electoral Manipulation
The PCC president provided several examples from across Punjab, alleging that Congress candidates for the rural body elections were intimidated and physically prevented from submitting their nomination papers. He expressed deep apprehension that even those who managed to file papers might see them rejected during scrutiny, accusing the ruling party of having "hijacked the election machinery."
Challenging the AAP further, Warring made specific allegations about the use of gangsters during by-elections. He claimed the government facilitated the transfer of notorious gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria from an Assam jail to Batala for the Tarn Taran assembly by-poll. He also alleged another gangster was released on special parole during the Jalandhar by-election, a parole later cancelled by the Election Commission of India.
When confronted with AAP's counter-allegation that the Congress itself patronised gangsters during its tenure, Warring strongly denied the charge. He retorted that even if, for argument's sake, the Congress or the Akalis did so, the AAP must explain its actions over the past four years. "There is no more time for excuses, it is the time to answer," he told the AAP leadership.
Warring concluded with a final warning to police officers, asserting that those who believe they can repeat such conduct under a future regime are mistaken. "This must end and we will end it," he asserted, vowing to hold all complicit officers accountable under the law.
