Punjab News:AAP asks 3 questions ahead of BJP ‘s ‘Drug Free Punjab Yatra ‘
Why is the BJP smuggling drugs from Gujarat to Punjab ? – Harpal Singh Cheema
Why does the BJP want to bring back the black laws by forming an alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) ? – Harpal Singh Cheema
Why does the BJP want to give Punjab’s water to Haryana and Rajasthan ? – Harpal Singh Cheema
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP ) has hit back at the BJP ‘s “Drug-Free Punjab Yatra .” Senior AAP leader and Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has asked the BJP to answer three basic questions before launching a political march in Punjab: why has it failed to stop drug shipments originating from Gujarat and Rajasthan , why is it targeting Punjab when the 55- kilometer international border strip falls under the BSF’s jurisdiction, and why does it want to divert Punjab’s water to Haryana and Rajasthan ? The minister said that before lecturing Punjab on the drug issue , the BJP should take action against drug smugglers in its ruled states , secure the border under the central government’s responsibility, and clarify its stand on Punjab’s rights.
The minister also cited the Bhagwant Mann government’s ” War Against Drugs ” campaign , the deployment of anti-drone systems, and the Punjab Police’s actions against drug traffickers outside the state. He challenged the BJP to take action against drug networks and strengthen security in its own states before organizing an anti-drug march in Punjab.
In a press conference with AAP Punjab media in-charge Baltej Pannu and Kharar constituency in-charge Parminder Goldy, senior AAP leader and cabinet minister Harpal Singh Cheema said , ” Between 2007 and 2017 , when the Akali-BJP government was in power in Punjab , the drug problem was rampant in the state.”
He further said that during that time , the term “chitta” emerged and became closely associated with the drug crisis , and drugs were being openly distributed throughout Punjab. Government vehicles were also being misused for drug trafficking. While investigations into drug-related cases were underway , an ED officer was transferred from Jalandhar.
Questioning the BJP-led central government’s role in securing Punjab’s international border , Minister Harpal Singh Cheema said , “The 55- kilometer strip along the Pakistan border falls under the BSF. Despite the central government having direct responsibility for this area , the BJP is targeting Punjab on the drug issue. On the other hand , the Bhagwant Singh Mann government has taken action against drug smugglers and strengthened the capabilities of the Punjab Police, including introducing the anti-drone system to prevent drug smuggling by drones.”
The minister stressed that the Punjab government has adopted a two-pronged approach to tackle the drug problem. He said , ” We are taking action against drug traffickers and ensuring treatment for those affected by drug addiction. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has given strict instructions to the officials that no drug trafficker or smuggler should be spared. Action should continue against anyone involved in the illegal drug trade.”
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema further said , ” Large drug consignments seized in the country have often been linked to Gujarat and Rajasthan , where BJP governments are in power. If the BJP -led central government is serious about eradicating the drug menace , it should first take concrete action against drug smugglers in BJP-ruled states and strengthen border security.”
Responding to a media question regarding Gulzar Singh’s death, he said , ” The opposition is playing ‘ politics over dead bodies ,’ and I have nothing to do with this matter. The case is currently in court , so I will not comment further. The family’s original statement has already been made public. People have seen it and know the facts.”