Attack on Shiv Sena (Punjab) leader sparks Opposition outrage against AAP govt

Thapar, a vocal critic of the separatist Khalistan movement, was seriously injured in the attack that occurred in front of the office of the Samvedna Trust where he was attending an event to mark the fourth death anniversary of the trust's founder-president Ravinder Arora.

He is reportedly in a critical condition in the hospital.

Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu said the attack is shameful and it has triggered panic among people.

In a video message on X handle, he said there is no administration in Punjab as the authorities are busy attending only the AAP leaders instead of their duties.

"This kind of attack on any political party leader is sad and shocking," he said, adding that law and order has turned into a farce in the state.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) chief Sukhbir Singh Badal posted on X: "Ludhiana today witnessed another violent incident with a person being attacked with swords despite being given police security. Such incidents are occurring with increasing frequency in the @AamAadmiParty  govt but CM @BhagwantMann is oblivious to the situation and is doing nothing to stop the steep slide in law and order."

"Punjab is descending into jungle raj with extortions and targeted killings under the AAP regime," Badal said.

Punjab BJP chief Sunil Jakhar said, "While the murderous attack on Shiv Sena leader Sandeep Thapar in broad daylight in Ludhiana is condemnable, this incident which took place in the bazaar revealed the law and order situation of the state under the leadership of the Punjab government."

"This incident has proved that the Punjab government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann is failing miserably in maintaining peace in the state. Strict action should be taken against the culprits of this murderous attack," he posted on X.

Condemning the attack, Congress leader Partap Bajwa said: "Peace in Punjab returned after endless sacrifices, no one should be allowed to vitiate the atmosphere of the state."

"In Punjab people from all religions live together with love and brotherhood. There are external forces at play who want to disturb Punjab’s peace once again for their political benefits. Punjab CM stop your theatrics and focus on law and order of the state, being the Home Minister the buck stops at your door."

"You have failed to control drugs, now law and order is also falling apart. If you can’t take care of the state, resign as Chief Minister and let some able leader of AAP take over. Don’t ruin the state while you are busy cracking jokes and praising your own self from public stages. Get down on the ground and see the reality. Today no one is safe in Punjab under your watch," the Congress leader said.