Last Updated:
AAP leader Baltej Pannu has questioned the BJP’s record on tackling drugs and accused it of selectively targeting Punjab ahead of its ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’.
AAP Punjab media in-charge and Nasha Mukti Morcha chief spokesperson Baltej Pannu
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) in Punjab has stepped up its attack on the BJP over the latter’s proposed ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’, questioning the party’s record on tackling drugs when it was part of the state government between 2007 and 2017.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, AAP Punjab media in-charge and Nasha Mukti Morcha chief spokesperson Baltej Pannu said the BJP should explain what action it took during its decade-long stint as a partner in the Punjab government. He alleged that the drug problem, particularly the spread of ‘chitta’, became a major concern during that period.
Pannu also questioned the BJP’s role in the investigation into the drug network. He referred to an Enforcement Directorate probe led by officer Niranjan Singh and asked why the investigation was allegedly stalled and why Singh was transferred when names were emerging in the probe. He also pointed out that the BJP was in power at the Centre between 2014 and 2017.
AAP Questions BJP’s Focus On Punjab
Pannu also criticised what he described as the BJP’s selective focus on Punjab. His remarks came after the Centre identified 73 districts across India as ‘ultra-sensitive’ under its drug-free India roadmap, including six districts in Punjab. The six are Amritsar, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Fazilka, Ferozepur and Ludhiana.
He asked why the BJP was focusing its campaign on Punjab while drug-related concerns also exist in other states.
Border Smuggling A Key Point Of Attack
Pannu also raised the issue of cross-border drug trafficking. He said the sensitive districts being discussed include several border districts and argued that the Centre and the Border Security Force (BSF) must explain what measures are being taken to prevent drugs from entering Punjab.
The comments come amid a wider political exchange between the BJP and AAP over responsibility for the state’s drug problem. The BJP is set to take out its ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’, with the campaign scheduled to cover all 117 Assembly constituencies.
AAP Highlights ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Campaign
Pannu said the Bhagwant Mann-led government, which came to power in 2022, launched its ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign and has continued action against drug networks.
He said the state government has also been working with the BSF to tackle cross-border smuggling and has deployed anti-drone systems as part of its efforts.
AAP Points To Sports As Alternative To Drugs
Pannu also highlighted the state government’s investment in sports as part of its argument that Punjab’s youth are moving towards healthier activities.
He said more than 25,000 young people took part in a recent run in Bathinda, while the state has built 3,100 sports grounds, of which around 750 have already been dedicated to the public.
He argued that sporting participation and the achievements of Punjab’s athletes offer a different picture from the image of Punjab as a state dominated by drug abuse.
Pannu said the government would continue its anti-drug campaign and urged the BJP to focus on concrete measures rather than political campaigns.
Quick Answers
Ask News18The ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’ is a state-wide anti-drug campaign organized by the BJP. The campaign is scheduled to cover all 117 Assembly constituencies in Punjab.
Ask News18About the Author
The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, …Read More
Punjab, India, India
September 17, 2026, 6:16 PM IST
Read More
Source link
[ad_3]
