Hooda slams Haryana government over law and order collapse, warns of rising criminal gangs

.

KURUKSHETRA: Congress member of parliament Deepender Singh Hooda launched an attack on the Haryana government on Sunday, alleging a complete breakdown of law and order in the state. Participating in several social programmes in Kurukshetra district, Hooda said the ruling dispensation has lost all control over governance, while criminals continue to operate fearlessly.“The law-and-order situation in Haryana has collapsed, and this government has completely failed,” Hooda asserted. “Even the officers in administration no longer take the chief minister seriously because they know the real control lies elsewhere. While the chief minister talks about crushing criminals, the reality is that criminals have crushed the law-and-order machinery instead. The state today needs a strong government, not a helpless one.”The Congress leader alleged that police stations have become hostile for victims, who are turned away instead of being helped. He claimed that the government has virtually surrendered before criminals, allowing Haryana to become a safe haven for organized crime.Citing a February meeting of directors general of police (DGPs) from seven states, Hooda revealed that the special task force (STF) had disclosed the presence of more than 80 active organised crime syndicates in Haryana. “Several gangs have international links, and many operate freely from local jails,” he said. “These groups are engaged in contract killings, drug trafficking, illegal arms trade, kidnappings, extortion, and online frauds. The fact that gangs continue to function even from within prisons proves that they enjoy the protection of those in power. This is not just a challenge to Haryana’s law and order, but also a serious threat to internal national security.”Hooda drew a contrast with the earlier Congress government led by former CM Bhupinder Singh Hooda, saying, “When the Congress assumed power in 2005, within just two months, the law-and-order situation was brought under control. The people of Haryana once again need such a decisive and strong government.”On the issue of alleged electoral malpractice, Hooda echoed the concerns raised by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. He claimed that the BJP has manipulated democratic institutions to retain power. “The BJP’s only objective is to cling to power by using every possible means—fair or foul. The Election Commission has failed to remain impartial, raising serious questions about its credibility and the very faith of the people in democracy. Vote theft has also occurred in Haryana, and the truth will soon be revealed,” he said.Several prominent Congress leaders, including Shahabad MLA Ramkaran Kala and Pehowa MLA Mandeep Singh Chatha, former MLA Mewa Singh, former MP Kailasho Saini, and party functionary Himanshu Arora, were also present at the events.