On the final day of campaigning for the Jalandhar West bypoll, political parties engaged in intense blame game, with the Congress and BJP vehemently criticizing the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over the law and order situation in Punjab. In response, AAP defended its record, intensifying the already heated political atmosphere.
Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring and Leader of Opposition in Vidhan Sabha Partap Singh Bajwa on Monday chose to hold a joint press conference, where they unleashed a barrage of accusations against the AAP Government. Warring asserted that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had failed to address the issues faced by employee unions, alleging that roads leading to Mann’s events were blocked to prevent employees from voicing their concerns.
Warring highlighted several failures of the Mann administration, including the withholding of Rs 550 crore grant from the Central Government due to issues with a school development scheme's naming. He also noted the disillusionment of moong dal growers, claiming that Punjab had regressed 25 years in just 2.5 years of Mann’s rule.
Bajwa appealed to the voters to reject AAP to “save democracy”, accusing the party of planning to capture booths on poll day by deploying 25 DSPs across Jalandhar West. He also alleged that AAP intended to distribute 12,000 stitched suits as election incentives to women voters.
Warring did not hold back his criticism, stating, “I have never seen such a bad government in my 45 years of politics. The Punjab government has failed on every front. Even a common rickshaw driver knows that the government is not doing anything for us. The AAP government promised a 'Rangla Punjab,' but today, it has turned it into a dirty Punjab.”
BJP’s Fierce Critique
Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar also criticized AAP, urging the voters to reject the party’s “ineptness and callousness” and save Punjab from what he described as a “Taliban-like grip of violence and apathy”. Jakhar emphasized the importance of voting to restore law and order and safeguard Punjab’s long-term interests with strong, decisive governance. Jakhar cited recent violent incidents in Ludhiana and Maur as examples of the AAP Government’s failure to maintain public safety. He accused the Chief Minister of tarnishing Punjab’s social harmony and brotherhood, urging the voters to remember these incidents when casting their ballots.
AAP defends record on law and order
Responding to accusations, AAP strongly defended its track record on law and order in Punjab. AAP's chief spokesperson and MP Malvinder Singh Kang asserted that both leaders have no standing to criticize, as their respective parties’ past governments in Punjab had a history of patronizing gangsters.
Kang accused the previous BJP-SAD and Congress Governments of providing government protection to criminals, fostering an environment where gangsters could operate with impunity. He emphasized that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s administration, there has been a significant crackdown on anti-social elements, with hundreds of criminals arrested and brought to justice in the past two years.
“In the Mann Government, any criminal incident is promptly investigated, and the accused are swiftly arrested,” Kang stated. He contrasted this with the previous regimes, where he claimed that those in power selectively encouraged the youth to commit crimes, reassuring them of protection.
Punjab Cong Concludes Poll Campaign with Flag March
Punjab Congress concluded its energetic campaign for the by-election with a spirited flag march, underscoring strong support for party candidate Surinder Kaur. The event witnessed a robust turnout of supporters lining the streets of Jalandhar West, showcasing solidarity and confidence in Surinder Kaur’s dedication to their constituency.
Known for her lifelong commitment to public service in Jalandhar, Kaur has struck a chord with voters who see her as a genuine advocate for their concerns and a symbol of effective governance. The flag march symbolized the widespread backing she has garnered, highlighting her deep-rooted connection with the community and unwavering resolve to address their needs.
Among the prominent figures present was state party chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, who asserted, “The voters have made their choice clear. They recognize that Surinder Kaur Ji is the voice that Jalandhar West needs, committed to ensuring tangible progress. Throughout this campaign, people have expressed their desire for a change after enduring two tumultuous years under the Aam Aadmi Party.”
