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Chandigarh: Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring on Friday launched a blistering attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of patronising gangsters to win elections and pushing the state towards anarchy and bloodshed through a strategy of fear, manipulation and coercion.
Addressing a press conference, Warring alleged that AAP was operating on the principle of “saam, daam, dand, bhed”, a phrase he attributed to former Delhi deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, and warned that such methods would ultimately destroy democratic institutions in Punjab.
He also issued a stern warning to police officers whom he described as AAP ‘yesmen’, declaring, “We will neither forget nor forgive. Accountability will be fixed when the government changes.”
Fear of Defeat Behind Delay in Local Body Polls, Says Warring
Targeting the delay in Zila Parishad and Block Samiti elections, Warring said the AAP government’s reluctance to conduct the polls clearly showed its fear of defeat at the grassroots level.
He alleged that Congress candidates were being openly intimidated and obstructed while filing nominations, creating an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. “There is a real apprehension that nomination papers may be rejected during scrutiny because AAP has tightened its grip over the election machinery,” he said.
Warring termed this a systematic subversion of the democratic process, claiming that the ruling party was misusing state machinery to silence political opposition and manipulate electoral outcomes.
Police Acting as “Errand Boys”, Audio Clip Raises Serious Questions
Referring to an alleged audio clip involving SSP Patiala, in which the officer is purportedly heard directing subordinates to block opposition candidates, Warring demanded a thorough investigation and strict action if the clip is found to be genuine.
He accused sections of the Punjab Police of openly siding with AAP, alleging that officers had “surrendered to the ruling party” and were now functioning as its “errand boys.”
“This system of political protection and misuse of the police must end, and we will ensure that it ends,” Warring asserted.
Rejecting AAP’s allegations that Congress had earlier patronised gangsters, the Punjab Congress chief categorically denied any such links, and instead challenged the ruling party to explain its own record.
He pointed out that AAP had brought gangster Jaggu Bhagwanpuria from an Assam jail during the Tarn Taran bypoll, and that another gangster was granted parole during the Jalandhar by-election, a move that the Election Commission later cancelled. “These facts expose who is actually using criminal elements for political gains,” Warring said.
