A deeply alarming narrative is taking hold in Punjab, with Union Minister of State for Railways, Ravneet Singh Bittu, making a stark and unsettling comparison between the escalating crime situation in the state and that of nations grappling with severe organized crime, such as Mexico and Colombia. Bittu’s provocative statement, asserting that criminal gangs are running a “parallel government” in Punjab, has resonated deeply with opposition leaders from across the political spectrum, who are unanimously lambasting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for what they perceive as its failure to curb rising lawlessness. The chorus of criticism points to a disturbing trend of gangsters allegedly operating with impunity, citing a series of recent high-profile murders and pervasive extortion threats that are now targeting not just prominent businessmen but also common traders, leaving citizens in a state of heightened fear. This growing alarm has led to increasingly strident calls for a comprehensive National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into the recent killings, underscoring a lack of confidence in the state’s investigative capabilities. Furthermore, opposition voices are demanding Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s immediate resignation from the crucial home ministry portfolio, arguing that his dual responsibilities have led to a neglect of public safety. The murder of Abohar businessman Sanjay Verma, a widely known figure, is cited as the latest and most egregious example of the deteriorating law and order situation, further fueling the allegations of “jungle raj.” Opposition leaders, including Congress state president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, have spoken of receiving multiple distress calls from businessmen fearing for their lives, indicating a widespread climate of terror impacting the state’s economic activity. BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh has accused the AAP government of “surrendering Punjab to gangs,” while Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Badal has highlighted the free rein of extortionists and the perceived lack of accountability for high-profile killings, including those of singer Sidhu Moosewala and kabaddi player Sandeep Nangal Ambian. These comparisons to nations notoriously gripped by cartel violence underscore the gravity of the situation as perceived by the opposition, placing immense pressure on the AAP government to demonstrate concrete action in restoring public confidence and dismantling the alleged “parallel government” run by criminal elements.
