BJP leaders discuss law-and-order situation in Punjab, raise concern over rising crime

Senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and advocate Bikram Singh Sidhu, state executive member of the party, on Tuesday raised serious concerns what he said was the “deteriorating law-and-order situation” in the state, during a discussion with the saffron party’s minority wing chairperson Iqbal Singh Lalpura.

The two leaders met at Lalpura’s residence here. Several BJP leaders and party workers were present during the interaction. Sidhu alleged the state was witnessing an alarming surge in gangster culture, corruption and administrative failures, with incidents of shootings, extortion calls and threats being reported almost daily.

He claimed that the state’s industrial hub, Ludhiana, had become a centre for extortion calls and organised crime, creating fear among traders, industrialists and common residents.

He alleged that despite repeated claims by the state government about maintaining law and order, the ground reality remained grim.

“There is a visible governance deficit. Corruption is rampant and criminals are roaming freely. Unfortunately, people have lost faith in the government’s ability to protect their lives and property,” he added.

Lalpura echoed the sentiments, alleging what he said was “growing sense of insecurity” in the state. He stressed the need for firm and impartial action against criminal networks across the state.