Chandigarh: Senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party-led Punjab government, accusing it of failing to provide clarity on the proposed sacrilege legislation and allowing the law and order situation in the state to deteriorate.
Randhawa, a former deputy chief minister of Punjab, questioned whether the much-discussed sacrilege law would be implemented in its true spirit or diluted during administrative processes. Using a pointed remark, he asked if the law would “lose its impact while moving from Kharar to Chandigarh,” indicating concerns over bureaucratic inefficiencies and political intent.
Demand for Inclusion of Pending Cases
The Congress MP stressed that justice would remain incomplete unless previous sacrilege incidents are brought under the purview of the proposed legislation. He urged the state government to ensure that victims of older cases are not excluded, calling for a comprehensive framework that addresses both past and future incidents.
Randhawa also sought clarification on jurisdictional issues, particularly whether cases transferred to Chandigarh would be covered under the new law. He warned that ambiguity on such critical aspects could weaken the effectiveness of the legislation and erode public trust.
Sharp Criticism of Law and Order Situation
Shifting focus to public safety, Randhawa painted a grim picture of the current law and order scenario. He alleged that criminal networks are operating with impunity and claimed that “gangsters and terrorists” are working in tandem under alleged political protection an accusation that significantly escalates the political confrontation.
Highlighting a recent incident in Gurdaspur, he pointed to a high-value robbery in which a jeweller was looted of approximately ₹8 crore, accompanied by gunfire. While police later apprehended two suspects and recovered a portion of the stolen amount, Randhawa noted that the primary आरोपी remains at large.
He emphasized that this was not an isolated case but part of a troubling pattern, describing it as the fourth major robbery in Gurdaspur city. According to him, such repeated incidents reflect systemic lapses in policing and intelligence.
Concerns Over Policing and Infrastructure
The Congress leader further criticized the absence of visible policing during his recent from Amritsar to the Gurdaspur border. He claimed that he did not encounter a single police checkpoint along the route and alleged that several police stations were found without adequate personnel.
In a striking remark, Randhawa accused authorities of turning police stations into “bunkers,” suggesting that such measures are fostering fear rather than ensuring security among the public.
Allegations on Jail Administration
Raising another serious issue, Randhawa expressed concern over prison management in the state. He alleged that, for the first time in Punjab’s history, gangsters are being “openly promoted” and provided special privileges within jails. Questioning the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, he demanded accountability and immediate action against officials responsible for such lapses.
Political Implications
The remarks by Randhawa come amid growing political tensions in Punjab, where opposition parties have been increasingly vocal about governance and security issues. His statements are likely to intensify the debate around the proposed sacrilege law and put additional pressure on the state government to clarify its stance and demonstrate effective implementation.
As the controversy unfolds, the demand for transparency, accountability, and improved law enforcement continues to dominate the political discourse in Punjab.