BJP targets AAP over law and order, drugs and governance at Maghi Mela Rally
Babushahi Bureau
Sri Muktsar Sahib (Punjab), January 14, 2026:The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) mounted a sharp political offensive against the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab during a major rally held at Sri Muktsar Sahib on the occasion of the Maghi Mela, raising concerns over drugs, gangsterism, corruption and the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. BJP leaders also paid homage to the martyrdom of the 40 Muktas and called for a “double-engine” government in Punjab.
Addressing the gathering, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said Punjab and Haryana share deep cultural, historical and familial ties.
He alleged that when Punjab faced natural calamities, the people of Haryana stood by it, while the AAP government and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal were conspicuously absent.
Saini accused the Punjab government of failing to fulfil promises made to farmers even after four years, contrasting it with Haryana’s BJP-led government, which he said provides MSP procurement, timely payments, crop loss compensation, healthcare schemes and social welfare benefits.
Paying tribute to the supreme sacrifice of the 40 Muktas, Saini said Sikh history symbolises courage, sacrifice and righteousness, recalling the martyrdom under the leadership of Bhai Maha Singh and Mai Bhago Ji.
BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh, addressing the rally, described the Maghi Mela as a symbol of martyrdom and devotion rather than merely a religious fair.
He accused the AAP and Congress of undermining Sikh traditions and Guru maryadas, alleging that controversial statements and actions by leaders including Arvind Kejriwal, Atishi and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had hurt Sikh sentiments. Referring to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots, Chugh said justice was delayed for decades under Congress rule, but cases were reopened after 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
Punjab BJP President Sunil Jakhar said the party is committed to Punjab’s welfare and asserted that only the BJP can pull the state out of its present crisis.
He flagged drugs, corruption, gangsterism and poor law and order as the biggest challenges facing Punjab. Jakhar also condemned Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel’s remark calling Charanjit Singh Channi’s appointment as Chief Minister a “mistake”, calling it reflective of a divisive mindset unacceptable to Punjab.
Punjab BJP Working State President Ashwani Sharma alleged that law and order in the state has virtually collapsed under the AAP government, with daily incidents of crime, firing and murders. Referring to the killing of a sarpanch in Valtoha village, he said fear prevails among villagers, especially in border areas. Sharma also accused the AAP government of failing to ensure delivery of central funds meant for welfare schemes and farmers.
Union Minister of State for Railways Ravneet Singh Bittu launched attacks on the AAP, Congress and Akali Dal, alleging that successive governments failed to act against those involved in sacrilege, drugs and corruption. He accused the AAP government of misusing government machinery and resources for political rallies and demanded an apology from Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over remarks made about Guru Sahibs in the Delhi Assembly.
Former Union Minister Anurag Thakur also paid homage to the 40 Muktas and Mai Bhago Ji, condemning what he termed disrespectful remarks against Sikhism by AAP leaders. He urged people to unite behind the BJP to restore Punjab’s progress.
Former Minorities Commission Chairman Iqbal Singh Lalpura alleged that Punjab is witnessing a rise in crime, mafias and corruption under the current regime, while pre-poll promises remain unfulfilled and state debt continues to rise. He said Punjab needs strong leadership, new thinking and effective governance.
Several senior BJP leaders from Punjab and across the country attended the rally, marking the party’s first state-level political conference at Sri Muktsar Sahib during the Maghi Mela.