Chandigarh: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab media in-charge and Nasha Mukti Morcha chief spokesperson Baltej Pannu on Thursday criticised the BJP’s proposed ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’, calling it a political exercise and questioning the party’s role in tackling the drug problem when it was part of the state government.
Pannu referred to the 2007-17 SAD-BJP government and asked why the BJP did not launch a major anti-drug campaign during that period, when the use of synthetic drugs, commonly referred to as ‘chitta’, became a major issue in Punjab.
He also raised questions about the investigation into alleged drug networks and referred to the transfer of former Enforcement Directorate officer Niranjan Singh. Pannu asked why the BJP did not intervene at the time and why investigations were not pursued further. These claims were made by Pannu as part of his criticism of the BJP.
Questions BJP’s focus on Punjab
Pannu questioned why the BJP was focusing its campaign specifically on Punjab while, according to him, other states facing drug-related problems, including neighbouring Haryana, were not receiving similar attention.
He said several districts along Punjab’s international border fall under the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force (BSF) and argued that the BJP should explain what steps it intends to take to prevent drugs from entering the state.
Instead of using the drug issue to target Punjab, Pannu said, the focus should be on preventing the supply of narcotics and addressing the problem at its source.
AAP highlights sports as part of anti-drug efforts
Pannu also pointed to the state government’s sports initiatives, saying increased participation in sporting activities could help keep young people away from drugs.
He cited the Bathinda Run, which he said attracted more than 25,000 young participants, and claimed that around 3,100 playgrounds have been developed across Punjab, with nearly 750 already opened for public use.
The BJP is scheduled to begin its four ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatras’ from September 18. The campaign is planned to continue until September 30 and cover all 117 Assembly constituencies in the state.
The BJP has said the objective of the campaign is to create public awareness about drug abuse in Punjab.
