Punjab: BJP slams AAP govt over drug menace

Jalandhar, Jul 5 (PTI) Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon on Sunday alleged that the AAP government has "failed" to fulfil its promise of making the state drug-free, claiming drug abuse and trafficking had increased during its tenure. Addressing a press conference in Jalandhar, Dhillon said AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal had promised before the 2022 Assembly elections to eradicate the drug menace from Punjab within three months, but the commitment remained unfulfilled even after four-and-a-half years. Referring to the recent arrest of a deputy superintendent of Hoshiarpur Central Jail, Dhillon alleged that the incident exposed the government's failure to curb drug trafficking and the use of mobile phones inside prisons. He claimed that the state's 'War Against Drugs' campaign had not achieved its objectives. The BJP leader also alleged that Punjab was facing growing challenges of gangsterism, unemployment and deteriorating law and order. He criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that the state lacked effective leadership. Claiming that Punjab's development had slowed, Dhillon said the state had slipped in national development rankings while BJP-ruled states had attracted industries and improved governance. He, however, did not cite the source of the rankings. Targeting the AAP government's women-centric welfare promise, Dhillon alleged that beneficiaries had not received the full financial assistance promised under the party's election commitment of Rs 1,000 per month, accusing the government of misleading women voters. The AAP government has not responded to Dhillon's allegations. He also criticised the Congress, alleging that the party remained preoccupied with internal disputes and leadership issues instead of addressing public concerns. Expressing confidence ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, Dhillon said the BJP would form the next government in the state and work for Punjab's development in line with the vision of "Sarkar-e-Khalsa" associated with Maharaja Ranjit Singh. PTI VSD KVK KVK