A major political row has erupted in Punjab following the induction of gangster-turned-politician Gurpreet Sekhon into the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. Sekhon, who was one of the key accused in the high-profile 2016 Nabha jailbreak incident, was formally welcomed into the party fold by Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann during a rally held in Zira, located in Ferozepur district. The high-profile political entry has drawn immediate condemnation from all major opposition outfits in the state.
Concerns Raised Over Potential Violence In 2027 Assembly Polls
Balkaur Singh, the father of slain Punjabi artist Sidhu Moosewala, reacted strongly to the development and accused the ruling dispensation of encouraging criminal elements. He expressed apprehensions that the party might field as many as 15 individuals with gangster backgrounds in upcoming electoral battles. Warning of the consequences of such political patronage, Singh noted, "The assembly elections scheduled for 2027 are going to be extremely violent."
Highlighting the trend of rewarding criminal pasts with political tickets, Singh appealed directly to the electorate. He urged the citizens of Punjab to decide whether they want representatives with violent backgrounds sitting in the legislative assembly or upright candidates who genuinely advocate for public rights.
Shiromani Akali Dal Criticises State Law And Order Policy
The Shiromani Akali Dal launched a scathing attack on the state government's approach towards criminal networks. Taking a dig at AAP's campaign claims, Akali leaders remarked that the administration's policy appears to be 'love for gangsters' rather than a crackdown against them. They pointed out that a person accused of orchestrating the famous Nabha jailbreak was greeted with a warm embrace by the Chief Minister himself. According to SAD, such red-carpet welcomes for controversial figures send a alarming message about the state of law and order in Punjab.
BJP Questions AAP's Electoral Priorities And Past Stance
Adding to the criticism, senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Fateh Jung Bajwa questioned the ideological consistency of the Chief Minister. Bajwa recalled how Bhagwant Mann previously blamed past political regimes for the rise of gangster culture in Punjab. He raised questions as to why those very controversial individuals are now seeking refuge within the ruling party to further their political ambitions. Bajwa asserted that the state's leadership seems focused entirely on winning assembly seats regardless of candidate background, adding that the people of Punjab will reject such compromises.
