Punjab Police Detain BJP Leaders During Outreach Campaign in Fazilka

In a significant political development, Punjab police detained several leaders from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Fazilka while they were conducting outreach camps. The detained individuals included former minister Surjit Jiyani, BJP women’s wing member Vandna Sangwal, and Fazilka district unit chief Kaka Kamboj. This incident occurred on October 4, 2023, during the party’s campaign titled ‘BJP de Sewadar Aa Gaye Ne Tuhade Dwaar’ in the villages of Koyelkhera and Raipura.

The police intervention came after the abrupt closure of a BJP-organised camp that aimed to promote central government welfare schemes. A team from the police, led by a deputy superintendent of police (DSP), intervened in Raipura to halt the camp, citing concerns that led to the detentions.

Political Response to Police Action

The actions of the police received unexpected backing from Sandeep Jakhar, a Congress MLA representing Abohar. Accompanied by local supporters, including mayor Vimal Thathai, Jakhar visited the office of the Fazilka senior superintendent of police (SSP) to lodge a formal complaint. He asserted that the outreach camp was conducted with the appropriate authorisation and intended to inform local residents about the benefits of central government schemes.

Jakhar described the police action as politically motivated, suggesting it was carried out at the behest of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. He emphasized that the BJP’s efforts to engage with the community were legitimate and aimed at enhancing awareness about government initiatives.

Context of the Outreach Campaign

The ‘BJP de Sewadar Aa Gaye Ne Tuhade Dwaar’ campaign is part of the BJP’s broader strategy to connect with constituents and promote various welfare schemes initiated by the central government. The party’s outreach efforts are crucial in a state where political dynamics are continually evolving. The recent police detentions have sparked discussions about the role of law enforcement in political matters and the potential implications for democratic engagement.

As the political landscape in Punjab remains tense, the BJP’s outreach strategy and the response from local authorities will likely shape the dialogue in the region. The detentions have drawn attention to the intersection of politics and policing, raising questions about the balance of power in local governance.

The incident in Fazilka underscores the ongoing challenges faced by political parties operating in a multifaceted and often contentious environment. As the situation develops, it will be essential to monitor how these events influence the political climate in Punjab and beyond.