Punjab Drugs Row: BJP and Congress Question Mann Government’s Handling of Drug Menace

Chandigarh: The issue of drugs in Punjab has been at the centre of the state's politics for some time. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has targeted the state government through its "Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra" (Drug-Free Punjab March), while Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi has also criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.

BJP yatra of about 4,000 km

The BJP's Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra is planned in four phases and is meant to reach all 117 Assembly constituencies in the state. The yatra is covering around 4,000 km. BJP leaders say its aim is to strengthen public awareness and the campaign against drugs in Punjab.

Speaking in Bathinda, BJP Punjab in-charge Satish Poonia said the party was marching against drugs with firm resolve. He raised questions about the Mann government's earlier claims and the drug situation in the state. The BJP alleges that the government has not been effective enough in curbing the drug crisis. The BJP describes the yatra as a social campaign, while its political opponents are linking it to electoral politics.

Separately, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan met families affected by drug abuse in Talwandi Sabo, along with Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon.

Channi questions Mann's skills

Former chief minister and Congress leader Charanjit Singh Channi also questioned the Bhagwant Mann government. Channi said that fighting drugs requires political will, the ability to take on the mafia and administrative skills.

He alleged that Mann lacks such skills. Channi said the chief minister may perform well on stage, but running a state requires a different kind of administrative ability.

Mann government's response

The Bhagwant Mann government, for its part, says action against drugs is continuing. The chief minister recently reviewed the "Yudh Nashian Virudh" (War Against Drugs) campaign and directed the police to step up action against drug suppliers and traffickers.