Samrala: Former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi has claimed that the state faces a choice between a Congress government and the continued dominance of drugs and gangsterism, alleging that both have devastated the younger generation.
Channi made the remarks while addressing a press conference before resuming the next leg of his ‘Jawani Sambhal Yatra’. The march had halted overnight at the residence of Rupinder Singh Raja Gill, Congress in-charge of the Samrala constituency.
He alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had completely failed to tackle drug abuse, gangsterism and rising crime in Punjab. Channi said the Congress had prepared a policy to eliminate drugs and gangsterism from their roots if voted to power.
Promises relief for transporters
Channi said transporters had brought to his attention the government’s order to collect four years of taxes in one go, claiming that the move was making the transport business increasingly difficult.
He said that if Congress formed the government, the problems faced by transporters and truck unions would be addressed on priority.
Explaining the purpose of the ‘Jawani Sambhal Yatra’, Channi said it was aimed at sending a message to families to look after their sons and protect them from drug addiction.
Questions AAP’s mining revenue claims
Channi also questioned the AAP government’s claims of generating ₹20,000 crore in revenue from mining.
He alleged that the government had failed to collect even ₹20 crore, while illegal mining continued unabated in the state.
Channi claimed that a Congress government would generate ₹20,000 crore from mining and spend the revenue on public welfare and facilities.
