States » NorthPosted at: Oct 29 2026 3:16PM


BJP's Jakhar seeks early poll code in Punjab, cites law-and-order crisis, Mansa clash

Neeraj Bali
Chandigarh, Oct 29 (UNI) Senior BJP leader Sunil Jakhar has urged Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to recommend the early enforcement of the Model Code of Conduct ahead of the state assembly elections, alleging that the Bhagwant Mann government has failed to maintain law and order and protect citizens from drug trafficking and organised crime.
In a letter dated October 29, Jakhar cited the administration's refusal to permit an anti-drug marathon in Abohar, arguing that the government's own assessment of security conditions contradicted its claims of maintaining peace in the state.
"The law-and-order situation in the state has deteriorated to an extremely alarming level. No one is safe," Jakhar said in the letter.
He alleged that drug trafficking, gang-related violence and political interference in policing had created an atmosphere of fear that could undermine the conduct of free and fair elections.
Jakhar referred to an October 27 order issued by the Abohar sub-divisional magistrate declining permission for a marathon scheduled for November 1.
The administration cited a police report expressing concerns about the prevailing security situation and the availability of adequate arrangements for the event.
Jakhar said the decision was particularly disturbing because the marathon, organised annually to raise awareness against drugs, had attracted thousands of young participants in previous years.
The BJP leader also accused the state government of shielding criminal elements and misusing administrative machinery. The allegations have not been independently established.
Separately, a confrontation between police and protesters in Mansa following the death of a young man, Daljit, has intensified scrutiny of the state's handling of drug-related grievances.
Police registered a case against unidentified protesters following an October 27 confrontation over Daljit's body.
According to a complaint filed by police constable Kuldeep Singh, a group of 30 to 40 people armed with sharp-edged weapons attacked officers attempting to stop a procession carrying the body towards Mansa.
Singh alleged that an attacker struck him on the head with an iron rod, causing serious injuries.
Police registered a case under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Section 109 relating to attempted murder.
However, Daljit's family and protesters disputed the police account, alleging that officers forcibly took possession of the body while they were attempting to join a demonstration supporting anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.
Videos described in local reports appeared to show police personnel carrying the body away, although the footage alone does not establish the full sequence of events.
Daljit's wife, Paramjit Kaur, demanded the release of detained protesters and accused the police of using force against the family.
The family alleged that Daljit had died because of drug use and demanded action against suspected traffickers. The medical cause of death has not been independently confirmed.
In his letter, Jakhar further alleged that Punjab's administrative machinery was being used for political purposes and that criminal networks were operating with impunity.
He urged the Governor to recommend that the Election Commission bring Punjab under the Model Code of Conduct at the earliest to ensure impartial administration and peaceful elections.
"I therefore request you to recommend to the Election Commission that the Model Code of Conduct be implemented in Punjab at the earliest," Jakhar wrote.
The Model Code of Conduct is ordinarily enforced by the Election Commission following the announcement of an election schedule.
Jakhar's allegations and the competing accounts of the Mansa confrontation could not be independently verified. No response from the Punjab government to his October 29 letter was immediately available.
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Tags: #BJP's Jakhar seeks early poll code in Punjab# cites law-and-order crisis# Mansa clash
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