Outreach drive stopped, alleges BJP as Punjab Police probe ‘illegal’ data collection  

The BJP on Wednesday accused Punjab’s AAP government of “forcibly stopping” its public outreach programme after the police launched an investigation into the collection of people’s personal data by “unauthorised individuals on behalf of political parties”.

The campaign — BJP de Sewadar aa Gaye ne Tuhade Dwaar ؅— was launched by the BJP recently to drum up support ahead of the 2027 state Assembly polls.

In a statement, the state government expressed concern over the drive, saying it has “received credible reports that certain private operators are illegally collecting personal data of local residents, allegedly on behalf of political parties”.

The statement, however, did not mention any party’s name.

It said any collection or use of personal data without consent was a punishable offence. “The local police have been directed to take strict penal action against those engaged in such unlawful activities,” it added.

Meanwhile, a police statement said a probe had been launched following complaints that personal data — including Aadhaar details —were being gathered by unauthorised individuals, making people vulnerable to data theft and bank frauds.

The police said multiple teams had been formed to investigate the camps being held to collect personal information under the guise of promoting government schemes.

The inquiry teams have been asked to visit the locations of the camps and conduct investigation as per legal protocols.

A Punjab Police spokesperson urged people not to share their personal data with unauthorised persons, advising them to access government schemes only through official online platforms or authorised channels.

Reacting to it, the BJP accused the AAP government of “deliberately obstructing” its public contact programme.

BJP leaders to meet Guv today

Punjab BJP working president Ashwani Sharma alleged that the government “misused” the police to stop their campaign at 39 locations.

“I strongly condemn this undemocratic and anti-people action of the Punjab Government,” he said, adding that a delegation of his party would meet Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria over the issue tomorrow.

State BJP general secretary Anil Sarin said the AAP government “forcibly stopped” the campaign, which aimed at informing poor and needy citizens about the central schemes.

“Instead of supporting efforts to empower the poor, farmers, women and the youth, the state government misused the police force to sabotage the programme,” he alleged.