Sangrur News: Senior Congress leader and Chairman of Congress Election Management and Coordination Committee Vijay Inder Singla urged the Aam Aadmi Party government to urgently restore law and order, saying Punjab must not be pushed back into dark days and its people must be able to live without fear.
Addressing a press conference, Singla expressed concern over killings, drug-related deaths and the safety of citizens who speak out against the narcotics trade. Referring to the cases of Gulzar Singh and anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota, he questioned the government’s ability to protect people raising concerns about drugs and the future of their children.
Singla said Punjab Police had the capability to tackle crime, recalling its role in overcoming terrorism. However, he maintained that effective policing required political will and freedom from interference. He held the government responsible for ensuring that the police acted against drug traffickers and criminal elements without political pressure.
Linking public safety to Punjab’s economic prospects, Singla said insecurity was discouraging traders and industrialists from investing in the state or expanding their businesses. He said employment could not grow unless businesses had the confidence to invest and operate safely.
Criticising the government’s emphasis on publicity, Singla questioned the use of Punjab’s taxpayers’ money for advertisements outside the state while people continued to face serious problems at home. He also said AAP leaders from Delhi were directing Punjab’s administration from government residences in Chandigarh, questioning the state leadership’s independence in decision-making.
Singla sought answers on promises relating to ₹1,000 monthly assistance for women, higher pensions, regularisation of temporary employees and employment generation. He also questioned the government’s delivery of assistance under the Shagun scheme and its handling of employees’ dues.
Rejecting suggestions that a Congress government would discontinue welfare support, Singla said the party had consistently worked to strengthen poorer sections. He cited the employment guarantee law, farmers’ debt relief and increases in pensions and other assistance under Congress governments.
Singla also questioned the BJP-led Union government’s record on preventing cross-border drug and arms smuggling. He said the Centre and the state government must fulfil their respective responsibilities instead of shifting blame.
Referring to the November 4 Insaaf Rally, Singla said Rahul Gandhi would address the gathering at 10 a.m. at Phaguwala village in Sangrur district. He said the rally would raise Punjab’s concerns over drugs, law and order, unemployment and governance, and mark the beginning of the Congress’s campaign for the 2027 Assembly elections.
Singla said people from across Punjab would participate in the rally and stressed that restoring public confidence, protecting citizens and addressing their concerns must remain central to the state’s political agenda.
