PATIALA: Senior BJP leader and former MP and Minister, Preneet Kaur, today expressed grave concern over the deteriorating law and order situation in Patiala. Addressing a press conference at her New Moti Bagh Palace residence, Kaur alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) is using police and goons to openly threaten opposition candidates.
"The situation is unprecedented and is being perpetrated with the help of the administration on the orders of AAP MLAs, " Kaur said. "This kind of violence and intimidation is unacceptable and goes against the principles of democracy."
Kaur also refuted AAP's claims that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is preventing them from filing nomination papers. "The truth is that all 60 AAP candidates have filed their nominations, while 36 of our candidates were not even allowed to file theirs, " she said.
The former minister also highlighted the threats faced by her party's candidates and their families. "AAP leaders and their hired goons are threatening our candidates, and even our ladies are being threatened and shown knives. They are being told not to campaign, or else harm will be caused to them."
Furthermore, Kaur condemned the filing of false and flimsy FIRs against BJP candidates, citing instances where similar tactics have been used to hinder election participation. "This is a blatant attempt to stop our candidates from campaigning and exercising their democratic rights, " she added.
Kaur also pointed out that the AAP's guarantees for Patiala are already being implemented under Centre Govt Schemes. "The e-buses promised by AAP will be run under the PM E-Bus Scheme, and the sewerage work is being done under the Centre's Amrut Scheme. The dumping ground was almost completely cleared in 2022, but AAP stalled it purposefully for electoral gains."
Kaur also questioned AAP's promise of installing CCTV cameras in Patiala. "I hope the CCTVs will also work on December 21, the voting day, " she said.
In response to a question from the media, Kaur addressed personal attacks made by AAP leaders. "Although I was not originally from the Patiala Royal Family, I take pride in being a part of this family through marriage. This family has made significant contributions to the state and country. I suggest AAP leaders refrain from making unwarranted comments about my family."
"The people of Patiala deserve better than this kind of politics of fear and intimidation, " Kaur said. "We urge the administration to take immediate action to ensure the safety and security of our candidates and the public."