Ludhiana, Oct 20 Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday launched a blistering attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of lacking the seriousness and intent needed to address the state’s drug problem.
In response, Mann sharply criticised both Shah and the BJP, challenging them to justify their alleged failure to curb drug trafficking during their years in power.
He stated that instead of exploiting Punjab’s drug crisis and the suffering of grieving families for electoral gains, the BJP should be held accountable for their previous shortcomings in tackling drug trafficking.
Shah rebuked the AAP government for blaming the BJP for allowing drugs to enter Punjab through Gujarat’s ports, emphasising that drugs worth Rs 20,000 crore have been seized at ports in Gujarat and Maharashtra.
“Are you suggesting we should stop these seizures?” he asked, directing his remarks toward the Mann government during a press conference in Ludhiana.
“We are working hard to combat this issue, yet you accuse us? How do these drugs reach the youth of Punjab in small packets?” he questioned, adding that such trafficking is unlikely to occur without political protection.
He pressed the AAP government to clarify how many individuals have been apprehended under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.
“Over the past year, 929 cases have been registered across the country under the PIT-NDPS Act, which is designed to combat drug trafficking and does not allow for bail. Yet how many have been detained in Punjab, where drug-related issues are among the most serious concerns?” Shah asked.
“Zero people have been detained under the PIT-NDPS Act in Punjab. Why is this the case? The Punjab government must explain this to the people of the state,” he said.
Shah further claimed that Punjab has not held a single NCORD (Narcotics Coordination Centre) meeting in the last three years.
“Across the country, 48 such meetings have been held by the states. I want to ask the chief minister of Punjab: how many such meetings have you held? Not one,” Shah stated.
“You have neither the willingness nor the seriousness, and you do not know how to address this issue,” he remarked, further criticising Mann. “I am convinced you will not be able to,” he added.
Further targeting the AAP government, Shah inquired how many AAP officials were involved regarding children’s access to drugs.
“Are you aware that in every district, there are people who protect those involved in the drug trade? Are you aware that for years, samples have not been tested in forensic science laboratories here to determine whether a seized substance is a narcotic drug or merely flour?” he asked.
Shah reaffirmed the Modi government’s commitment to a drug-free India, stating this is an essential step toward achieving a developed nation. He asserted that by December 31, 2029, they aim to eradicate drugs from the country, particularly in Punjab.
In a video statement, Chief Minister Mann questioned the Centre’s alleged failure to stop narcotics at their source, secure the borders and act against trafficking networks. He demanded answers regarding the reported 2,200 kg of heroin in Gujarat, which was allegedly dismissed as having been eaten by rats.
Urging Amit Shah to meet grieving families “with genuine sympathy rather than political motives”, the chief minister, according to a statement, assured that the Punjab government stands firmly with the family of murdered anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota and pledged to intensify the state’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign.
He called on the Centre to strengthen the NDPS law and fulfil its responsibility to dismantle drug networks instead of engaging in what he termed cheap politics.
Mann questioned why the BJP was not concerned about the growing drug crisis when they were in power alongside the Akali Dal from 2007 to 2017, during which time the influx of drugs increased significantly.
Questioning the BJP’s claims on tackling drugs, Mann pointed to the drug problem in Rajasthan, the presence of gangsters in Haryana and the seizure of large consignments of narcotics originating from Gujarat.
“The border belt extending 50 kilometres is under the Border Security Force (BSF)’s control, and you are the Union home minister. Why have you not taken effective action to stop drugs coming from Pakistan? Why do you remember Punjab only when elections approach?” Mann said.
He mentioned that he has held several meetings with the Union Home Minister and other officials, urging them to install anti-drone systems along Punjab’s international border with Pakistan.
“You have not allowed the necessary system to be installed. We installed our own system in coordination with the BSF, yet you did not take the required action,” he said.
Mann emphasised that the Centre must take responsibility for securing the country’s borders and preventing narcotics from entering India, rather than using Punjab’s drug problem for political gain.
(PTI News)
