Punjab Congress leader Satnam Singh Kainth today said the law and order situation in the state has "deteriorated" and sought to know from Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal if he is turning Punjab into Bihar.
Kainth's statement can leave Bihar's Mahagathbandhan leaders red-faced as Congress is a partner in the ruling alliance which also includes Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and Lalu Prasad's RJD.
Speaking to PTI, Kainth said the SAD-BJP-ruled state has seen a spike in the cases of murder, attempt to murder and other such criminal activities.
"The way law and order has deteriorated in Punjab, it appears the state has become 'Hatya ki Rajdhani'- capital of murders," he said, alleging Sukhbir is "not concerned about law and order.
"He is busy spending public money on advertisements to earn praise from the people," he said.
"At least he (Sukhibr) should tell the people if he is turning Punjab into Bihar? Like in Bihar, the law and order in Punjab has deteriorated. The government and the police have no control over it. The condition has never been like this," he said.
He alleged there is a "nexus" between the ruling class, police and criminals which is responsible for the state of affairs.
Referring to the Mansa incident, where a Dalit youth was murdered and his leg chopped off, Congress's spokesperson Sunil Jakhar said Punjab has "jungle raj"- a jibe often used by the Opposition to target the Nitish Kumar government in Bihar.
State BJP spokesperson, Rajat Kumar Mohindur, has however refuted the Congress's charges, saying the "law and order situation in Punjab is good and there is nothing to worry".
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