'Not just gangsters, even men in white clothes taking extortion money': Sunil Jakhar slams Punjab Govt
PTC Web Desk: In their first joint press conference, Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar and newly appointed working president of Punjab BJP Ashwani Sharma came together on Thursday to address a wide range of pressing state issues. Jakhar told the media that he was ready to answer their questions “honestly and directly.” What followed was a pointed critique of the Punjab Government's alleged inaction and double standards on multiple matters, particularly the proposed anti-sacrilege law, the role of gangsters, and what he termed as a growing breakdown of law and order.
Jakhar questioned the Punjab Government’s lack of transparency in drafting the anti-sacrilege Bill, asking: “Where is the draft of the law?” “Which religious organisations were consulted?”
He demanded clarity on whether equal legal provisions would be made for misuse of religion, not just sacrilege incidents. "Where there is talk of protecting religion, there must also be provisions to punish those who exploit religion for personal or political gain," he said.
Jakhar warned that without clarity and genuine intent, the issue could threaten Punjab’s communal harmony. "The BJP is serious on this issue, but the government’s intentions seem unclear," he added.
Slamming the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for failing to act swiftly on sacrilege cases, Jakhar said: “AAP promised in its election manifesto to take action within 24 hours in sacrilege cases. It's been three years and four months now — that’s 28,900 minutes, but where is the action?”
He cited that between 2015 and 2022, over 300 sacrilege cases were registered, yet questioned how many offenders had actually received the two-year punishment under IPC provisions. “I challenge Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to tell the people what concrete action has been taken,” Jakhar said.
Jakhar also referred to a disturbing case from Faridkot, where a contractor allegedly killed his family before shooting himself due to a demand for Rs 50 lakh by a local leader and his brother-in-law. “Has any action been taken in that case? A man lost his life, yet no accountability,” he asked, calling it a reflection of deep-rooted extortion by not just gangsters but also “those in white clothes who offer tributes in the House.”
Raising questions on the land pooling policy, Sunil Jakhar asked for details and transparency, alleging that it is being pushed without proper public consultation. He linked the issue with increasing pressure tactics on common people and alleged corruption.
Responding to a query on gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, who is currently lodged in Gujarat jail, Jakhar criticised the Punjab Government’s claims. “Interviews have been conducted from jail, crimes are being plotted, and yet they say they can’t bring him back. Who’s stopping them?” he asked.
He further added that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had called the removal of Dr Vijay Singla the first "political murder" citing corruption. “Today, that same person sits alongside the CM. What changed?” Jakhar remarked sarcastically.
Jakhar was also critical of the Punjab Assembly’s tribute to industrialist Sanjay Verma, questioning whether the government truly understood the spirit behind the gesture. “Sanjay Verma didn’t just build a name for himself. He gave employment to 500 families. As someone from Abohar, I know what he meant to the people.”
Jakhar noted the absence of the Chief Minister from the House again, stating, “CM is entangled in the water issue, and that’s why today’s programme was shortened. But I want to say — Sanjay Verma was a hero of Punjab, and the Speaker should have addressed his legacy in the House.”
- With inputs from agencies
