Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal launched a sharp attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the drug menace in Punjab, accusing the BJP of allowing the drug trade to flourish and providing protection to gangsters.
Reacting to a post shared by Shah on social media platform X, Kejriwal alleged that the BJP was attempting to exploit Punjab’s drug problem and was seeking to revive the political and economic interests associated with the narcotics trade. He also targeted the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), accusing the two parties of contributing to the state’s problems during their earlier political partnership.
In his post, Kejriwal alleged that those responsible for drugs entering Punjab through the Adani port route were now dreaming of making billions of rupees from the drug trade in the state again. He also accused the BJP of protecting gangsters and referred to Sabarmati Jail in his remarks.
Referring to the SAD-BJP government’s tenure in Punjab from 2007 to 2017, Kejriwal renewed his criticism of the two parties over the drug issue, which has remained a major political concern in the state.
Kejriwal further claimed that states governed by the BJP for several years were facing serious drug-related problems. He questioned why Punjab was being targeted instead of addressing the alleged drug trade in those states.\
Raises Punjab’s Water, Chandigarh and University Issues
Beyond the drug menace, Kejriwal also raised concerns over Punjab’s water resources, Panjab University and Chandigarh. He alleged that the BJP had its eyes on the state’s important resources and institutions.
He also expressed apprehensions about the possible reintroduction of the three farm laws, which were repealed following a prolonged farmers’ protest. Kejriwal asserted that Punjab would never allow the laws to be brought back.
Political Tensions Over Drug Menace Intensify
Kejriwal’s remarks have intensified the political confrontation over the drug problem in Punjab, with the AAP leader targeting both the BJP and the SAD. His statement also sought to frame the issue as a broader question of protecting Punjab’s interests, resources and institutions.
The allegations against the BJP and SAD form part of the ongoing political debate over drug trafficking, gangster activity and the responsibility of successive governments for tackling these challenges in Punjab.
