Sunil Jakhar accuses AAP government of misusing bureaucracy

Former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar has accused the AAP government of misusing bureaucracy, saying the practice helped the party secure recent victories in the Abohar municipal corporation and Fazilka municipal council leadership elections. Jakhar made the remarks while praising the people of Abohar and Fazilka and the party’s workers for their role in the wins. The accusation comes amid a broader political contest in Punjab, where the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) forms the government and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) serves as the main opposition. Jakhar’s comments link the alleged bureaucratic misuse to the party’s electoral gains in two municipal bodies where BJP-affiliated candidates emerged as leaders. He emphasized that the support of local residents and the dedication of BJP cadres were decisive factors in the outcomes. “The people of Abohar and Fazilka, along with our workers, have delivered the results,” he said, underscoring the grassroots effort behind the victories. Jakhar’s critique of the AAP government focuses on what he describes as an improper leverage of administrative mechanisms to influence the electoral process. While he did not detail specific instances, the charge suggests a perception that state officials may have been used to advantage the party’s candidates. The former BJP chief’s remarks underscore the ongoing rivalry between the two parties in Punjab, a state that has seen frequent shifts in political alignment over the past decade. AAP, which has been in power in Punjab, has faced criticism from opposition parties over its governance style and use of state resources. Jakhar’s accusation adds to a series of challenges that the ruling party has faced from BJP leaders. Municipal elections in Punjab serve as key barometers of local governance, and the recent wins in Abohar and Fazilka have highlighted the shifting dynamics between the ruling AAP and the opposition BJP. Observers note that the results may influence voter perceptions ahead of the upcoming state elections, making these contests particularly significant. The episode underscores the continuing debate over the use of administrative powers in electoral contests, a theme that has resurfaced in Punjab’s political discourse in recent years. Jakhar’s statements, while limited in detail, highlight the continuing tension between the ruling AAP and the opposition BJP in Punjab. The criticism reflects a wider pattern of political rivalry in Punjab, where the BJP has been seeking to expand its footprint in municipal bodies traditionally dominated by other parties. Jakhar’s remarks come as the AAP administration faces increasing scrutiny over its handling of public administration, with opposition parties alleging misuse of official machinery for political gain.

Source: Hindustan Times