Chandigarh: The BJP on Monday released a helpline number for Punjabis stranded in Gulf countries amid the escalating Iran–Israel–US crisis, with state president Sunil Jakhar assuring full support for their safety and possible evacuation.
Jakhar announced the helpline (75085-60065) while addressing the media ahead of a BJP core committee meeting in Chandigarh to review preparations for Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s upcoming rally in Punjab. He said Punjabis affected by the worsening situation in Gulf nations, or their families in Punjab, could contact the helpline for assistance. The party, in coordination with the Centre, would make every effort to ensure their safety and facilitate their return if required.
Jakhar said the Central Government, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had already instructed Indian embassies in the region to extend all necessary assistance, share timely updates and ensure the security of Indian nationals. He added that the government was closely monitoring the situation and would take appropriate steps.
Congress functioning as AAP’s ‘B-team’
Launching a political attack, Jakhar alleged that Congress was working in an “invisible alliance” with the ruling AAP and had reduced itself to its “B-team” in Punjab. He claimed the state was facing a serious law-and-order crisis and rising drug abuse, but Congress leaders were not holding the Bhagwant Mann government accountable.
Referring to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s recent rally in Barnala, Jakhar said Rahul failed to raise any issue against the AAP government despite Congress being the principal Opposition. “Congress had a moral responsibility to speak for the people, but it chose to remain silent,” he said.
He also criticised Rahul for publicly admonishing Punjab Congress leaders, saying internal party matters should have been handled privately. “If such issues have to be addressed from a public stage, it reflects that Rahul Gandhi has lost his influence over his own party,” he said, adding that leaders projecting themselves as chief ministerial faces would now have to answer the public. He further accused Congress of misleading farmers and asserted that any agreement signed by India would not harm Punjab’s agricultural interests.
The BJP said the helpline initiative reflected its commitment to supporting Punjabis abroad while the party simultaneously intensified preparations for Amit Shah’s rally in the state.
