Reveal convictions in sacrilege cases: Jakhar to AAP govt

Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Thursday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government’s Special Assembly Session to introduce an anti-sacrilege Bill, dismissing it as mere theatrics.

Responding to Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema—who questioned why gangster Lawrence Bishnoi was held in a Gujarat jail by the BJP-led Centre—Jakhar pointed out that the AAP government had permitted Bishnoi’s interview from jail, yet now it seeks to deflect accountability.

“Why are AAP leaders silent on who facilitated Lawrence Bishnoi’s interviews from police custody?” he asked.

At a press conference alongside newly appointed working president Ashwani Sharma, Jakhar expressed alarm over Punjab’s worsening law and order situation.

He alleged that under Kejriwal’s remote leadership, public safety has deteriorated and fear has gripped citizens across social strata.

He questioned whether the government had consulted religious bodies regarding the draft Bill and demanded transparency, noting that the proposal hadn’t been shared with legislators or stakeholders.

Calling the government’s approach “irresponsible,” Jakhar said the BJP treats the issue seriously and supports any genuine legislative measures—but rejected what he termed as political drama. He asserted that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s failures far outweigh any publicity gains.

Citing over 300 sacrilege cases since 2015, Jakhar questioned how many have led to convictions under current laws that prescribe a two-year sentence. He urged the government to address the misuse of religion and proposed including provisions to deter leaders from visiting religious sites while intoxicated.

Turning to the land pooling policy, Jakhar accused the AAP regime of acquiring large tracts of farmland without public necessity, alleging the move benefits Arvind Kejriwal’s associates. He claimed land acquisition powers were shifted from the Chief Minister to the Chief Secretary, and amendments to land laws were made without Cabinet approval. He also criticised the quiet reduction of the public objection window from 30 to 15 days.

Jakhar assured that the BJP is reviewing the legal implications and would challenge the policy in court, vowing that no farmer’s land would be taken without consent.

He also condemned the Congress—Punjab’s main Opposition—for its silence, saying its leaders have “surrendered” to the AAP government.

Punjab