Chandigarh, October 13
The killing of an anti-drug activist in Punjab has sparked a fierce political confrontation, with opposition parties cutting across ideological lines accusing the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of failing to protect those who have been at the forefront of the fight against narcotics. BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leaders have alleged that the incident reflects a deeper collapse of law and order and exposes the risks faced by citizens who raise their voice against the drug menace.
The controversy intensified following the death of an anti-drug activist in Mansa district. Opposition leaders argued that the incident has once again highlighted the dangerous environment in which anti-drug campaigners are working, despite repeated claims by the state government that it is conducting an aggressive campaign against narcotics.
Leader of Opposition Partap Singh Bajwa said the tragedy was not an isolated incident but part of a disturbing trend. Referring to anti-drug campaigners, Bajwa alleged that individuals who speak out against drug trafficking and addiction are increasingly facing harassment, intimidation and violence. He drew attention to recent cases involving anti-drug activists and questioned whether the government’s much-publicised anti-drug campaign has translated into protection for those risking their lives to expose the problem.
In a strongly worded statement, Bajwa said that from the case of Gulzar Singh to other activists who challenged the drug menace, a pattern was emerging in which anti-drug voices were being silenced through fear and pressure. According to him, the government must answer why those leading the grassroots battle against drugs continue to face threats despite repeated assurances of support from the administration.
Former Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring also launched a sharp attack on the state government over the activist’s killing. Describing the incident as deeply disturbing, Warring said the murder had exposed the failure of the government to provide security to citizens engaged in public causes. He maintained that when an individual campaigning against drugs can be shot dead, serious questions arise regarding the effectiveness of the state’s law-enforcement machinery. Warring demanded accountability and called for a thorough investigation into the incident.
The Shiromani Akali Dal echoed similar concerns. Senior SAD leaders alleged that Punjab had become increasingly unsafe for anti-drug activists despite the state’s repeated declarations about its war against narcotics. The party argued that those exposing drug peddlers and trafficking networks were among the most vulnerable sections today because of alleged inaction against major operators in the drug trade.
SAD leaders further contended that political patronage and failure to dismantle larger drug networks had allowed traffickers to continue operating. They alleged that while lower-level offenders were being arrested, influential elements involved in the drug trade remained untouched. According to the Akali leadership, this has created an atmosphere where anti-drug campaigners find themselves directly exposed to retaliation from criminal networks.
The BJP also joined the offensive against the Mann government. Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu said the latest incident demonstrated the government’s inability to ensure the safety of ordinary citizens. He alleged that Punjab’s AAP government had failed in its fundamental responsibility of protecting people and maintaining law and order. According to Bittu, repeated incidents of violence, crime and intimidation have weakened public confidence in the administration.
Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon went a step further, asserting that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had failed to govern the state effectively. Referring to Punjab’s continuing struggle with drugs and the mounting concerns raised by affected families, Dhillon claimed the government had lost the moral authority to remain in office. He demanded the Chief Minister’s resignation, alleging that several years after coming to power on promises of eradicating drugs, the administration had failed to deliver meaningful results on the ground.
Dhillon also referred to numerous families that have allegedly lost loved ones to drug addiction, arguing that the pain being experienced across Punjab reflects the seriousness of the crisis. He maintained that the state government’s anti-drug claims do not match the realities being faced by communities.
The opposition’s criticism comes against the backdrop of continuing political debate over the Mann government’s anti-drug campaign. While the administration has repeatedly highlighted arrests, enforcement measures and public awareness initiatives, critics contend that drug trafficking remains a serious challenge. Bajwa has previously accused the government of focusing more on publicity than on dismantling drug supply networks, arguing that awareness campaigns alone cannot eliminate the menace.
The Congress leader has also questioned the government’s record in pursuing major drug traffickers and demanded transparency regarding action taken against organised drug networks. According to Bajwa, Punjab needs concrete results rather than announcements if the state is to overcome the drug crisis.
Meanwhile, the state government has consistently maintained that it is committed to eliminating drugs from Punjab. AAP leaders have asserted that the administration is conducting a comprehensive campaign involving law enforcement, awareness programmes and community participation. Government representatives have repeatedly said that action is being taken against drug smugglers and peddlers while encouraging citizens to cooperate in the fight against narcotics.
However, the killing of the anti-drug activist has ensured that the spotlight remains firmly on Punjab’s drug problem and the safety of those fighting it. With Congress, BJP and SAD united in their criticism, pressure is mounting on the Mann government to not only bring the perpetrators to justice but also reassure activists that they can continue their campaign without fear.
As the political rhetoric intensifies, the central question being raised by the opposition remains unchanged: if those leading the battle against drugs are not safe, what message does it send to the wider public?
