Chandigarh, February 10
Suggesting that Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria was apparently trying to help the Shiromani Akali Dal and its president Sukhbir Badal to revive itself for eventual alliance with the Bharatiya Janata Party, through the “march against drugs”, Punjab Congress president today asked him (the Governor) whether it was an attempt to run the ‘Samjhuata Express’. As the “antidrug campaign unfolds,”, it looks like CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)is being done on the dying SAD ahead of the assembly elections in the state, he remarked.
Reacting to Badal’s joining the Governor’s march, Warring posted on ‘X’, “My humble question to Hon’ble Punjab Governor Ghulab Chand Kataria is whether the march he is leading against drugs is actually a campaign against drugs or an attempt to run the ‘Samjhuta Express’ and prepare ground for forging Akali-BJP alliance in the state”.
“Before leading the march, did you raise the matter with the Union Home Ministry under whose jurisdiction the border security falls?”, Warring asked the Governor, while noting that the BSF jurisdiction has been expanded up to 50 kms inside the borders.
Warring said, while the AAP government has completely failed already, what is the central government doing to prevent the smuggling of drugs from across the border? “I would request you to raise the matter with the union Home Ministry before running the ‘Samjhauta Express’ for an Akali-BJP alliance in the name of anti-drug march”, he urged the Governor, remarking while referring the pictures of the Governor and Sukhbir together, “I must add, the pictures of the ‘march’ look too “nice” to be overlooked for the obvious message they carry and convey”.
Meanwhile, rubbishing these allegations, Badal said, “It was an honour to join Hon’ble Governor of Punjab Gulab Chand Kataria in Ferozepur for the inspiring ‘Drug Free – Vibrant Punjab’ campaign. Unlike the previous Congress and current Aam Aadmi Party governments, which offered only lip service, Governor Sahab is leading by example— travelling village to village, city to city, with true commitment. SAD fully supports this mission and pledges maximum contribution. To the people of Punjab: Once SAD forms the government in 2027, we promise to completely eradicate drugs and gangsters.”
