To ensure seamless coordination with the Delhi Police during the Republic Day celebrations and the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections, the Punjab Police has appointed an Assistant Inspector General (AIG) as a nodal officer. The move came after a request from Delhi Police to share tour plans and security details of Punjab protectees traveling to the national capital, amid heightened security measures.
The Punjab Police has issued directives to its protectees, including Ministers and MLAs, to provide their tour details to the AIG to facilitate coordination. The decision was taken after Delhi Police’s security division highlighted concerns regarding the movement of Punjab officials and their security teams in a letter addressed to Punjab’s Additional Director General of Police (ADGP), Security.
The letter underscored the importance of enhanced vigilance due to the dual security challenges of the Republic Day celebrations and the Delhi Assembly elections scheduled for February 5. It requested Punjab Police to share comprehensive information about the protectees’ travel itineraries and accompanying security arrangements.
In response, Punjab Police assured full cooperation and outlined measures to address these concerns. They have directed the ADGP (Security) to liaise with Delhi Police’s Protective Security Division and ensure briefing and sensitization of officers responsible for the security of Punjab’s dignitaries.
Punjab’s security apparatus has highlighted the unique challenges of being a border state with a history of terrorism and recent attempts to revive militancy. Incidents such as grenade attacks on police stations have raised concerns about anti-national elements attempting to disrupt peace. These factors make the safety of Punjab protectees a matter of national importance.
The Punjab Police, while appointing the AIG as the nodal officer, reiterated its commitment to adhere to all security protocols and cooperate with Delhi Police to prevent any untoward incident that could adversely impact internal security.
The coordination efforts come against the backdrop of a fierce political battle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). BJP candidate Parvesh Verma, contesting against AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal in New Delhi, accused the Punjab Government of misusing official resources to bolster AAP’s campaign.
Verma alleged that Chinese-made CCTV cameras were hastily installed in slums within his constituency using AAP-led Punjab Government resources. He also claimed that these installations posed security risks and were merely a publicity stunt by Kejriwal, who he said “fears an imminent defeat”.
He further alleged that Punjab Government teachers and employees were being transported to Delhi under the guise of AAP workers, and that trucks bearing Punjab registration plates were delivering campaign materials. Verma claimed that two teachers from Amritsar had already been detained in Delhi for their involvement in election activities.
Reacting to the allegations, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had dismissed BJP’s accusations as baseless. AAP also termed the BJP’s remarks as an attempt to divert attention from their own shortcomings and impending electoral defeat.
AAP leaders argued that the BJP was resorting to smear tactics to undermine the party’s credibility ahead of the elections. Chief Minister Mann, who has been addressing multiple rallies in Delhi for three consecutive day now, asserted that his Government’s focus remained on governance and people’s welfare, both in Punjab and beyond.
As Delhi gears up for the Assembly elections, with results expected on February 8, the BJP and AAP are locked in an intense war of words. The AAP is aiming for a third consecutive term after a landslide victory in 2020, while the BJP is seeking to make significant inroads into Kejriwal’s stronghold.