Chandigarh, September 12
Leader of Opposition in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Partap Singh Bajwa, on Saturday launched a blistering attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over the worsening drug crisis in Punjab, accusing it of substituting publicity campaigns and headline-grabbing announcements for meaningful action against the state’s drug supply network.
Reacting to the Punjab Education Department’s announcement that its anti-drug prevention programme has been expanded to more than 7.5 lakh students across 3,600 senior secondary schools, Bajwa said drug awareness among young people was essential, but warned that awareness programmes could not become a substitute for dismantling the drug trade.
“Educating our children about the dangers of drugs is important. But what about stopping the drugs from reaching them in the first place? The Bhagwant Mann government has failed catastrophically on the most critical front — breaking the supply chain. After four-and-a-half years of AAP rule, the drug menace remains so pervasive that reports of home delivery of Chitta in Punjab have become commonplace,” Bajwa said.
Bajwa accused the government of relying on publicity-driven initiatives to create an impression of action while failing to deliver a comprehensive strategy combining supply-side enforcement, effective policing, prosecution of major suppliers and smugglers, and meaningful rehabilitation of people struggling with addiction.
“You cannot make Punjab drug-free by holding awareness programmes and issuing press releases. You have to dismantle the networks that manufacture, transport and distribute drugs. You have to go after the big players, not merely make announcements. And you have to provide genuine rehabilitation to those trapped in addiction,” Bajwa said.
He alleged that the government’s approach appeared increasingly focused on managing headlines rather than confronting the drug mafia and protecting Punjab’s youth.
“Punjab does not need another publicity campaign. Punjab needs results. The government must tell the people how many major drug networks have actually been dismantled, how many kingpins have been brought to justice, and what concrete steps have been taken to stop drugs from reaching our villages, towns and homes,” he said.
Referring to the recent suicide of Gulzar Singh, Bajwa said the incident had raised serious questions about the safety of people who speak out against the drug menace. He alleged that individuals who raise their voices against drug abuse have faced harassment and intimidation by AAP workers and demanded that such allegations be investigated fairly.
“The alleged harassment and intimidation of people who expose the drug menace is deeply disturbing. Whistleblowers and citizens who speak against drugs should be protected, not threatened or silenced. If these allegations are true, those responsible must face the law, irrespective of their political affiliation,” Bajwa said.
Bajwa also recalled the repeated deadlines and promises made by Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to make Punjab drug-free, saying the government had failed to live up to its commitments.
“For four-and-a-half years, the people of Punjab have heard promises, deadlines and grand announcements about ending the drug menace. Yet the crisis continues to haunt our families. Today, when parents and young people demand answers, the government has little to offer beyond another publicity exercise,” Bajwa said.
He said the people of Punjab would ultimately hold the AAP government accountable for its failure to fulfil its promises.
“Punjab’s youth cannot be sacrificed at the altar of political publicity. The government must stop celebrating announcements and start delivering results. No campaign, headline or photo opportunity can hide the reality on the ground. The people of Punjab deserve accountability — and they will demand it,” Bajwa added.