BJP-AAP Face-Off in Punjab: BJP Chief Sunil Jakhar Detained

Chandigarh :- The political tussle between the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab escalated on Friday, as BJP leaders staged protests against the state government over the halting of welfare camps. Several party leaders, including state BJP president Sunil Jakhar, were detained by police during demonstrations in Abohar’s Raipur area.

The BJP accused the Bhagwant Mann-led government of stopping 39 welfare camps aimed at informing and enrolling people in central government schemes. The party alleged that the move was politically motivated and prevented poor and marginalised communities from benefiting.

“BJP is reaching out to ensure that farmers, women, and the underprivileged access central schemes. But the AAP government is blocking these initiatives and using police action against our workers,” Jakhar said before his detention. He also criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for failing to deliver on key pre-poll promises, including the monthly ₹1,000 allowance promised to women.

Protests were organised across Punjab, while BJP leaders had also taken up the issue with the Punjab governor earlier this week.

AAP’s Response:
AAP leaders defended the move, saying that BJP cannot hold such camps independently without state coordination. AAP MLA Kuldeep Dhaliwal accused BJP of running “misleading camps” to gain political mileage.

Police Warning:
Punjab Police, meanwhile, issued a public advisory, claiming they had received multiple complaints of individuals posing as party representatives to collect personal data and money. Officials warned that some citizens had even reported unauthorised withdrawals from their bank accounts.

“Strict action will be taken against those organising illegal camps. Citizens are urged not to share sensitive information or pay commissions and instead approach government-run Sewa Kendras for official work,” a police spokesperson said.

Authorities urged residents to immediately inform the police about any such unauthorised camps in their localities.