New Delhi, Sep 18 — The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) on Friday came down heavily on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab after former Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu's convoy allegedly came under attack, accusing the state government of "diverting attention" from the issue of drug addiction in the state.
Earlier on Friday, Bittu alleged that his cavalcade was attacked near Batala in Punjab while he was on his way to Pathankot to participate in the launch of BJP's 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra'.
Speaking to IANS, BJP spokesperson RP Singh said: "The Punjab government is scared. It does not want our party (BJP) to run a drug-free campaign there, which is why it got Ravneet Bittu attacked."
"The Punjab government has completely failed to maintain law and order. The attack appears aimed at diverting people's attention from the drug issue in the state," he added.
Speaking to reporters, Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia echoed similar view.
"The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) people are rattled. I would tell them not to attack from hiding, but come out in the open. Do not indulge in such cowardly acts," he said.
SAD leader Daljeet Singh Cheema also condemned the attack, saying: "If the reports coming in are correct and any kind of attack or mischief took place against him (Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu), then it is wrong. All parties have the right, especially during election time, to travel anywhere in the state and campaign. Such a situation should not arise."
"When allegations are made against the ruling party (AAP) that their leaders are involved, this means the state government has already accepted defeat," he remarked while urging for an investigation into the incident.
While addressing a press conference on Friday, BJP MP Sudhanshu Trivedi launched a sharp attack at the AAP government in Punjab.
"I believe the people of Punjab will soon shatter the intoxicated approach of those in power. This is because they have drowned the youth of Punjab in drug addiction," he said.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu accused the Punjab Police for not taking action following the purported attack on him.
"The way they (AAP leaders) attacked us (BJP leaders) was all planned. It is the Aam Aadmi Party and some police officers. Today, my head hangs in shame because I have always considered the Punjab Police to be a very brave force. I have always said that lions are sitting here in khaki uniforms. This is what they do?" he said.