Chandigarh, 18 January (H.S.): , A Punjab BJP delegation met Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Sunday, accusing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of systematically targeting media houses and imploring him to direct Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to safeguard press freedom.

Led by state BJP leader Subhash Sharma, the group submitted a memorandum decrying AAP's alleged intimidation of the Jalandhar-based Punjab Kesari group through multiple raids, ad blacklisting, and FIRs following critical coverage of AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal—echoing earlier disruptions like newspaper supply halts tied to Sheesh Mahal 2.0 exposés.

They likened the clampdown to Emergency-era suppression, warning of an emerging police state stifling dissent.

Law and Order Collapse Demands DGP Summons

The delegation further lamented Punjab's deteriorating security, citing rising crime rates and public safety fears, urging the Governor to summon Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav for accountability on remedial measures. AAP rebuttals dismiss claims as politically motivated, insisting actions target smuggling—not journalism—with opposition parties like Congress and SAD amplifying calls against perceived authoritarian overreach.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar