Jakhar urges Guv to push for model code of conduct in Punjab, says AAP itself admitted law and order has worsened
Former Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar has asked the Governor to recommend an early Model Code of Conduct, citing the denial of permission for Abohar’s anti-drug marathon
PTC Web Desk: Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has asked the Governor to recommend to the Election Commission that the Model Code of Conduct be enforced in the state at the earliest. He argued that the Bhagwant Mann government has itself admitted that the law and order situation has deteriorated.
In a letter written to the Governor, Jakhar pointed to the administration’s refusal to allow the annual anti-drug marathon in Abohar. He said the written refusal cited an unfavourable atmosphere and the poor state of law and order. The marathon has been held in Abohar for several years and draws thousands of young people. Jakhar attached a copy of the administration’s letter to his request.
“Although I oppose this government and its policies, for the first time I agree with this bitter truth that the government has accepted,” Jakhar wrote. He said no one in the state is safe and that voices raised against drugs are being silenced with bullets.
Allegations against the government
Jakhar named Amritsar, Tarn Taran, Khemkaran, Gurdaspur, Hargobindpur, Mansa, Abohar, Sangrur and Ludhiana as places where, he claimed, people are being killed in the open. He also alleged that the police are forcibly taking away the bodies of children who died from drugs from their families and that people protesting against drugs are facing police action or being pushed towards suicide.
He blamed what he called a deliberate policy of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for the situation. He referred to a statement by senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia that the party would use every means to win elections. Jakhar claimed the government has posted compliant officers while gangsters are being inducted into the party or given shelter, and alleged that the Chief Minister’s Office has become a hub of corruption.
Jakhar further alleged that drug and weapons smuggling is being run from jails and that smugglers and killers are being released on parole and helped to flee abroad.
Jakhar said in such an atmosphere, holding free, fair and peaceful elections in a border state would be impossible. He claimed that by the time of the Assembly elections, the government would create such fear that citizens would be unable to vote without fear. Giving the government more time, he added, would amount to allowing further violation of people’s fundamental and human rights.