NEW DELHI: The BJP on Saturday launched a sharp attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab, alleging that the Bhagwant Mann-led government is focused on managing headlines and covering up issues while the state grapples with a worsening law and order situation, drug abuse and rising crime.Addressing a press conference at the BJP headquarters in Delhi, BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh also raised concerns over alleged paper leaks in Punjab and accused the AAP government of shielding those responsible.“People in Punjab are living in the atmosphere of fear because the gangsters and mafia are ruling the state under the protection of the AAP government,” Chugh alleged.The BJP leader further claimed that the Bhagwant Mann government has imposed “undeclared censorship” on the media in Punjab. He alleged that the chief minister’s office is influencing decisions on what gets published in newspapers and aired on television news channels.Targeting the state government’s anti-drug drive, Chugh alleged that Punjab’s ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ (war against drugs) campaign is merely “a sham and a drama aimed at grabbing headlines”.“How can a leader go out and ask people to shun substance abuse when he himself is doing ‘nasha’?” the BJP Rajya Sabha MP asked, demanding that Mann should undergo a “dope test” before exhorting others to quit drugs.There was no immediate response from the AAP to the BJP’s allegations.Chugh also accused the Punjab government of misusing state machinery and alleged that governance in the state had deteriorated.“Those meant to be protectors have turned into predators, devouring Punjab’s economy, peace and assets. Exam papers are being leaked. Law and order has crumbled. Extortion and torture centres are rampant,” the BJP leader alleged.”The mafia is running the government in Punjab. The entire state is gripped in an atmosphere of fear. Anyone who raises a voice is beaten or killed,” Chugh added, alleging that instead of taking action, the Bhagwant Mann government is engaged in cover-up and headline management.“All attempts are being made to cover up all scandals in Punjab,” Chugh added.
