Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Media In-charge and Nasha Mukti Morcha Chief Spokesperson Baltej Pannu on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the BJP’s ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’, describing it as a political exercise and questioning the party’s record on tackling drug abuse during its alliance government with the Shiromani Akali Dal between 2007 and 2017.
Addressing a press conference, Pannu said every genuine effort against drugs is welcome, but alleged that the BJP failed to raise the issue when it was part of the Punjab government during the period when the menace of ‘chitta’ emerged and spread across the state. He questioned why no major anti-drug campaign or sustained pressure was mounted by the BJP at that time.
Pannu also raised questions regarding past investigations into drug trafficking networks. Referring to an Enforcement Directorate (ED) probe, he alleged that the investigation lost momentum when key names began surfacing and questioned the transfer of officer Niranjan Singh. He further asked why the investigation did not reach its conclusion despite the BJP being in power at the Centre from 2014 to 2017.
AAP leader claimed the impact of the drug crisis during that period was severe, with widespread concerns over youth addiction and overdose-related deaths. He said the BJP should explain its actions during those years before launching campaigns on the issue today.
Pannu further accused the BJP of selectively focusing on Punjab while remaining silent on drug-related concerns in other states. Citing a recent NCB report, he said several ultra-sensitive districts identified in the report are located outside Punjab, but political attention continues to be directed mainly towards the state.
Highlighting the border dimension of the drug problem, Pannu noted that Punjab’s sensitive districts are largely border areas under the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF), which operates under the Central Government. He urged the BJP to explain what measures are being taken to curb cross-border drug smuggling instead of using the issue to tarnish Punjab’s image.
Defending the AAP government’s record, Pannu said the Bhagwant Mann-led government launched the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign after coming to power in 2022 and has been carrying out sustained action against drug networks. He added that Punjab Police, in coordination with the BSF, has intensified efforts to curb smuggling and has also deployed anti-drone systems along vulnerable border areas.
The AAP spokesperson said the changing aspirations of Punjab’s youth are evident through growing participation in sports. He cited the recent youth run in Bathinda, which attracted more than 25,000 participants, and said the state government has built around 3,100 sports grounds, with nearly 750 already dedicated to the public.
Pannu argued that Punjab’s sporting achievements challenge attempts to portray the state solely through the lens of drug abuse. He highlighted that Punjab has significant representation in India’s national hockey and cricket teams, including players from border districts often associated with discussions on drug trafficking.
Concluding his remarks, Pannu said Punjab welcomes all sincere efforts to eliminate drugs but accused the BJP of using the issue for political purposes. He asserted that the Mann government would continue its anti-drug campaign until the menace is eradicated and Punjab strengthens its identity as a progressive and sports-oriented state.
