Jakhar urges EC to impose model code of conduct in Punjab

Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has said he will approach the Election Commission of India (ECI) and the Punjab Governor, seeking the immediate implementation of the Model Code of Conduct over the state’s law and order situation and drug menace.

Addressing a press conference at BJP Bhawan in Chandigarh on Thursday, Jakhar alleged that the Punjab Police had forcibly taken custody of bodies of people who died due to drug-related causes.

“The state is strewn with bodies, and the Punjab Police’s treatment of the deceased is appalling,” he said, comparing the situation with the respectful return of bodies during the Kargil conflict.

Jakhar also cited the death of a 16-year-old boy in Jalalabad in Fazilka district, saying the boy’s father had died due to drug-related causes earlier. He alleged that the incident highlighted the impact of drug abuse on families in Punjab.

Accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leadership of failing to address the situation, Jakhar held party leader Manish Sisodia responsible for what he described as the deterioration in law and order. He alleged that the AAP policies had encouraged criminal activity and provided protection to offenders.

Jakhar further alleged that people serving life sentences, including some who had spent up to 20 years in prison, had secured parole and been released.

He also raised allegations concerning an alleged ₹5-crore bribery case, claiming that money had been taken to help people accused of raping girls flee the country. He alleged that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s name had surfaced in connection with the matter before the High Court.

Jakhar said a BJP delegation would meet the ECI to highlight the situation in Punjab and press for the implementation of the Model Code of Conduct.

He also said he was exploring legal options over Sisodia’s remarks and considering approaching the Punjab and Haryana High Court or the Supreme Court. Jakhar said he wanted the courts to consider whether AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal and Sisodia should be barred from entering Punjab.