Chandigarh, May 27
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)’s Punjab State President and Cabinet Minister Aman Arora on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on BJP’s Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu, strongly condemning his hooliganism and violation of election norms during the municipal corporation elections in Punjab. He called out the BJP minister and BJP leaders for attempting to disrupt the democratic process through alleged goondaism.
Addressing a press conference, Arora stated, “The entire state witnessed through the media how the Aam Aadmi Party government had issued clear directions to ensure that the elections were conducted peacefully and in a democratic manner. However, the BJP once again allegedly resorted to intimidation, misuse of power and goondaism during the polling process.” He said, “The BJP has made hooliganism and manipulation a pattern in every election. The BJP earlier looted votes in West Bengal by misusing the system and attempted similar tactics in Punjab during the civic polls.”
Strongly reacting to the incidents reported from Sangrur and Dhuri, Arora continued, “It is unacceptable for leaders of a party ruling at the national level to come onto the streets and openly indulge in such behaviour. The entire Punjab condemns the actions of Ravneet Bittu and BJP leaders.”
Arora said, “BJP leaders violated Election Commission rules by remaining present in Dhuri despite the end of campaigning. As per election norms, outsiders are not allowed to stay in the city after campaigning concludes, yet BJP leader Onkar Singh remained there in violation of the rules.” He added, “When Punjab Police attempted to enforce the rules and removed the BJP leader from the area, Ravneet Bittu himself reached the spot and tried to obstruct the police action. He behaved as if the Constitution and law were subordinate to his political position.”
The minister further added, “Despite Punjab Police officials trying to handle the matter peacefully and respectfully, BJP leaders misbehaved with uniformed personnel and attempted to intimidate them.” He also condemned the derogatory remarks made against senior police officers, including comments directed at a woman police officer.
“Punjab Police has made immense sacrifices to save the state from the dark era of terrorism. Insulting the police force and targeting officers on the basis of religion or caste is shameful and unacceptable,” Arora asserted. The AAP leader also called out Bittu for hypocrisy over his criticism of Punjab Police. He said, “During the previous Congress government, Bittu used his influence to secure a DSP position for his brother despite irregularities in eligibility criteria.”
Condemning the entire episode, Arora asserted, “The Aam Aadmi Party and the people of Punjab stand firmly with the police force and democratic institutions. No one, regardless of position or power, has the right to undermine the law, insult police personnel or disrupt the democratic process.”
