After Phagwara firing, Jakhar questions Kejriwal’s claim to eliminate gangsters

Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar has criticised Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal’s claim of eliminating gangsters within seven days, citing the recent firing incident at Sudhir Sweets shop in Phagwara.

Jakhar said that just ahead of the Chief Minister’s scheduled visit to Phagwara, gangsters opened fire with eight rounds at the shop, openly challenging the government and the police. He also recalled that earlier a similar firing incident had taken place at the residence of AAP leader Daljit Singh Raju in Phagwara, yet gangster activities remain unchecked in the state. Raising serious concerns through a tweet, Jakhar questioned whether the AAP government is truly capable of controlling gangsters or if the people of Punjab have been left at the mercy of criminals, adding that there is a glaring difference between government claims and ground reality.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Balwinder Singh Dhaliwal visited Sudhir Sweets following the firing incident and condemned the attack, terming it a serious reflection on the deteriorating law and order situation in Punjab.

He expressed solidarity with the shop owners and demanded strict and immediate action against the culprits, urging the government to ensure safety and security for the public and business community.

Former Union Minister and senior BJP leader Som Parkash and Former Mayor Arun Khosla also expressed concern over the growing incidents of gangsterism in the region. He said that such repeated incidents indicate fearlessness among criminals and questioned the government’s preparedness and intent in dealing with organised crime.

He stressed that restoring peace and public confidence should be the top priority of the state government.

The incident has once again triggered a political storm in Punjab, with opposition leaders targeting the AAP government over rising crime and alleged failure to control the gangster network.