BJP Punjab chief Jakhar blames AAP for 'planned conspiracy' behind office attacks
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Punjab President Sunil Jakhar on Tuesday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of orchestrating a well-planned conspiracy behind the recent simultaneous attacks on BJP offices across Punjab. Jakhar made the allegations after meeting the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Mohali and demanding action against those involved in Monday's incident.
The Conspiracy Allegation
Jakhar argued that the simultaneous timing and similar pattern of the attacks were proof of a coordinated strategy by the AAP. He claimed the party was attempting to replicate what he described as Bengal-like conditions in Punjab, drawing a parallel to the style of politics associated with West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He alleged that such tactics were being deployed as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) intensified their anti-corruption actions against AAP's top leadership.
"Every file will be opened, and everyone will be held accountable," Jakhar said, addressing the media in Chandigarh.
The Mohali Attack and Police Response
The Monday attack on the BJP office in Zirakpur, Mohali district, prompted Jakhar to meet the local SSP and seek swift action. While acknowledging that the police had acted promptly following the incident, he stressed that arresting only the so-called "foot soldiers" would not be sufficient. He demanded that investigators identify and expose the masterminds who allegedly planned and coordinated the attacks.
ED, CBI and the Corruption Angle
Jakhar questioned the moral standing of AAP leaders to oppose ED and CBI actions, arguing that the party's own Vigilance Department — which operates directly under the Chief Minister — had itself allegedly become mired in corruption. He contended that this made CBI intervention not just justified but necessary.
He also referenced the ongoing investigation into suspended Punjab Deputy Inspector General Harcharan Singh Bhullar's case, suggesting that the CBI had likely uncovered leads pointing to several officers and middlemen, and would proceed according to the law.
Warning to Government Officers
Jakhar issued a pointed warning to officers he accused of functioning as political workers for the AAP rather than as neutral administrators. He stated that every honest officer working within the rules deserves respect, but those acting as political agents would face accountability. He also referred to Delhi leaders who allegedly converted a government residence — described as "50 Number Kothi" — into what he called a "Sheesh Mahal", saying their fear of legal scrutiny had reportedly driven them to stay at the Mohali rest house instead.
Broader Context
This comes amid an escalating political confrontation between the BJP-led Centre and the AAP government in Punjab, with federal investigative agencies increasingly active in the state. Notably, the attacks on BJP offices follow a period of heightened tension as CBI and ED probes have reportedly reached closer to senior AAP functionaries. Whether the police investigation will go beyond ground-level arrests to implicate any political figures remains to be seen.