Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Cheema has slammed opposition parties, accusing them of pretending to be concerned about gangsters in Punjab, while in reality, he says, they helped them grow during their own time in power.

Speaking to the media before the Punjab Assembly session in Chandigarh, Cheema referred to the recent murder of a businessman in Abohar. He claimed the murder was ordered by gangster Lawrence Bishnoi — currently jailed in Gujarat — and questioned why Bishnoi isn’t in a Punjab jail.

“It’s shocking that he’s sitting in a Gujarat jail and still targeting people in Punjab. Why isn’t he being brought here? The BJP wants to control these gangsters and use them to create trouble in states where it’s not in power,” Cheema said. He added that the Punjab government is genuinely working to maintain peace and eliminate the drug mafia.

Cheema accused leaders from the BJP, Congress, and SAD of either supporting or protecting gangsters and drug networks. “We are cleaning up the mess left behind by previous governments,” he said.

He challenged the BJP to speak directly to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about transferring Bishnoi to Punjab, instead of making public statements.

Cheema also accused the Congress of sheltering gangsters like Mukhtar Ansari in Punjab jails and said SAD leaders have a history of supporting criminal elements, according to police records.

He pointed out that the entire opposition, over the years, failed to act seriously against the drug menace. Referring to Congress leader Partap Bajwa, he said, “He once said he would drag SAD leaders through the streets. Now, why is he protecting them?”

On the issue of alleged fake encounters of gangsters, Cheema said Punjab Police is actively working and the truth will come out soon.