From Panth Bachao to Parivaar Bachao: Akali Dal Now Fighting to Shield Drug Accused Majithia: Cheema
Says, Akali Dal Trying to Intimidate Judiciary, Sabotage Legal Process to Save Majithia
Punjab Newsline, Chandigarh-
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today launched a scathing attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), accusing the party of actively working to protect drug traffickers and sabotaging the rule of law in Punjab. Addressing a press conference, Cheema said that the Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has turned its anti-drug campaign into a war and introduced advanced security measures including anti-drone systems and a second line of defence along the Punjab border to curb the narcotics inflow.
Cheema highlighted that while the AAP government is relentlessly working to make Punjab drug-free, traditional parties like the Congress, BJP, and Akali Dal are visibly agitated and have resorted to siding with drug mafias. “For the last 25-30 years, these parties ruled Punjab and created a deep-rooted nexus with drug traffickers. From 2007 to 2017, under Akali rule, drugs flooded Punjab, and instead of jobs, our youth were handed syringes and packets of chitta,” said Cheema.
He accused the Akali Dal of transforming from a Panthic movement to a family-run business empire under the control of Sukhbir Singh Badal. “The Akali Dal was founded in 1920 to protect the Sikh faith, Gurdwaras, and Panthic values. But after being captured by the Badal family, especially Sukhbir Badal, it shifted its focus to amassing wealth through corruption, launching hotels, transport businesses, and laundering money abroad, at the cost of Punjab’s youth and future,” he added.
Referring to the recent arrest of Sukhbir Badal’s brother-in-law, Bikram Majithia, by Punjab Vigilance Bureau, Cheema said the SAD has now launched a new campaign: “Parivaar Bachao Andolan” (Save-the-Family campaign). “What started in 1920 as Panth Bachao has in 2025 become Parivaar Bachao. The Akali Dal is now aggressively trying to shield Bikram Majithia, a key accused in drug cases,” said Cheema.
He alleged that SAD is now going to the extent of trying to intimidate the judiciary and law enforcement agencies. “Today, when Majithia is being produced in court, Akali leaders are attempting to influence judicial proceedings and threaten judges and police officers. This is not only contempt of court but a serious threat to Punjab’s judicial integrity,” Cheema warned.
Drawing a sharp contrast between the legacy of Bhagat Singh and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, whose portraits were placed in government offices after AAP came to power, and the conduct of Akali leaders, Cheema said, “Our government believes in the Constitution and rule of law. Sadly, the Akali Dal has never shown such commitment and today stands on the side of those trying to derail legal processes.”
Calling upon the judiciary, Cheema said: “I urge the Hon’ble Chief Justice to take cognizance of this matter and pass appropriate directions to prevent such threats and intimidation of judicial officers and investigators. The government is vigilantly monitoring the situation and will not allow any disruption to law and order.”
Cheema also reminded the public of past events where the Akali Dal presided over grievous betrayals of public trust. “They oversaw the sacrilege of Guru Granth Sahib, fired upon innocent protestors demanding justice, and now are once again standing with criminals. This is the real face of a party that has shifted from saving the Panth to saving drug traffickers.”
He concluded by asserting the AAP government's unwavering resolve to uphold justice and eliminate drugs from Punjab. “The people of Punjab punished Akali Dal in 2017 and 2022 by reducing them to 18 and then 3 seats. This fight will not stop. We will dismantle the entire nexus that ruined our youth and dragged Punjab into darkness.”