Punjab govt surrendered to drug mafia, state has become crime capital: BJP

New Delhi, Oct 29 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Thursday launched a blistering attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government, accusing it of "surrendering" to drug mafia, gangsters and extortion. 

Addressing a press conference in Delhi, BJP MP Tarun Chugh claimed that the law-and-order situation in Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-ruled Punjab is going through a "terrible phase", while calling it the "crime capital" of India.

"The Punjab Chief Minister (Bhagwant Mann), who is also the Home Minister, is not concerned about the state. Grenade attacks have taken place at 23 police stations," he said.

"Ordinary citizens believe they are safe because there is a uniformed force and police stations, but grenade attacks are taking place and tin walls are being erected around them. This shows that Punjab Police stations are operating in an atmosphere of fear. The 'khaki' uniform and police stations, which are supposed to guarantee public safety, are themselves under fear," Chugh added.

Accusing the AAP government of "surrendering" to the mafia, the BJP leader said: "The drug mafia is operating unchecked. Until recently, Bhagwant Mann used to say that he had fought three battles, but after every battle, the supply chain grew. Today, Punjab is completely under the control of the drug mafia. Drugs are being sold at every nook and corner of the state and the Bhagwant Mann government has completely failed to break the supply chain."

Chugh blamed the Union government for being unable to take action against murders and extortion taking place in the state.

"In Punjab, citizens are paying taxes to the state as well as to the mafia just to stay alive. An entire extortion network is operating in the state. People receive extortion calls and those who refuse to pay the money are attacked. Out of fear, people are paying up," the BJP leader alleged, adding that this reflects the state’s police system has "collapsed".

Chugh also alleged that police stations and uniformed personnel, who are supposed to guarantee security, have been pushed to the margins.

"Punjab’s brave police force has been rendered ineffective due to pressure from Aam Aadmi Party officials, MLAs and Ministers. Gangsters are operating unchecked, and drugs are being sold openly. Today, Punjab has become the crime capital of India," he remarked.

The BJP MP alleged that Punjab's law-and-order is now marred with drugs, gangsters and extortion, adding that the surrender of Bhagwant Mann's government to these three evils, "is evident".

--IANS

cg/khz