
Mon Jan 05 22:10:00 UTC 2026: # Punjab Government Under Fire Amid Rising Crime Wave
The Story:
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab is facing severe criticism from opposition parties due to a perceived deterioration of law and order in the state. This follows a series of recent criminal incidents, including the alleged shooting death of AAP leader and village sarpanch Jharmal Singh in Amritsar. Opposition parties, including the Congress, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are accusing the AAP government of failing to maintain public safety, leading to a climate of fear and insecurity among residents.
Key Points:
- January 5, 2026: AAP leader and village sarpanch Jharmal Singh was allegedly shot dead in Amritsar.
- Opposition parties (Congress, SAD, BJP) are criticizing the AAP government for the deteriorating law and order situation.
- SAD leader Harsimrat Kaur alleged that “gangsters are having a free run” and that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has failed.
- BJP’s Tarun Chugh called for political parties to protect Punjab from “anti-national forces and criminal networks.”
- Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring stated that “Police seem to have ceased to exist in Punjab.”
- AAP State president Aman Arora stated that strict instructions have been issued to the police and that past regimes are to blame for the current situation.
- The death of Jharmal Singh has sparked comparison to the December 15, 2025, shooting death of ‘Kabaddi’ athlete and organiser Kanwar Digvijay Singh.
Key Takeaways:
- The AAP government in Punjab is facing a significant political challenge due to rising concerns about crime and public safety.
- Opposition parties are seizing the opportunity to attack the AAP’s governance record and demand accountability.
- The blame game has begun, with the AAP government attempting to shift responsibility to previous administrations for the current state of affairs.
- The public perception of law and order is crucial for the AAP’s political future in Punjab.
- The government’s response and actions in the coming days will be closely watched and scrutinized.