PHAGWARA: Sukhpal Singh Khaira Punjab Congress MLA in a note submitted to AICC general secretary Rahul Gandhi during latter's Punjab visit said that since formation of the SAD-BJP Government in Punjab, Congress leaders and workers have been targeted in a planned manner with intention of demoralizing party cadres in the State.

He stated that Sukhbir Singh Badal, President SAD, has virtually taken over reigns of power in Punjab and is in fact the de-facto Chief Minister.

The note said, "Thousands of cases have been registered falsely right from top Congress leadership down to village level worker. The police force has become a handy tool in the campaign of political victimization launched by the Akalis".

"I my self am a victim of a false case of theft of a truck tarpaulin. The police and the administration are indulging in acts of both commission and omission. In cases where Congress workers have been affected in serious crimes such as murder, attempt to murder, serious injuries, the police prefer to look the other way and the Akali goons are going scot free after committing such heinous crimes", he added.

Grass-root democracy has taken a severe beating in Punjab, during the recently concluded, local bodies and panchayat elections. "Can you believe that the Congress has been unable to show its presence in the over 12000 village panchayats and so is the case in the municipalities. Booth capturing, rigging, broadaylight goondaism ruled the roost during these elections", the note said.

 " I feel that the Central Government has not taken due cognizance of the above mentioned unconstitutional and illegal conduct of the Punjab Government. at the behest of Sukhbir Badal. Punjab today is an absolute fit case for invoking article 356, President's rule should be imposed and Vidhan Sabha suspended so that the rule of law can be restored. I have my fears, that if corrective measures are not taken immediately, it may cost our party very dear in the forthcoming Parliament elections", Khaira concludes.