Punjab Anti-Drugs Drive: Arrested Drug Traffickers Have Links to Akali-BJP, Congress, Says Minister Cheema

Punjab's ongoing anti-drug drive, 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' (War Against Drugs), has triggered fresh political controversy after a man from Kalanaur in Gurdaspur district was allegedly caught consuming drugs inside a cremation ground.

Punjab Finance Minister Harapal Singh Cheema said the accused, identified as Gurkirat Singh, was apprehended during the crackdown. Cheema further claimed that photographs have surfaced showing the accused with several senior Congress leaders, alleging a direct political connection.

"Drug Links Trace Back to Previous Regimes"

Cheema launched a sharp attack on rival parties, stating that during the regimes of the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance and the Congress, Punjab witnessed a surge in drug abuse. He alleged that many individuals being arrested in recent crackdowns have either direct or indirect links with these political parties.

According to Cheema, the current government's strict action has put pressure on drug traffickers, many of whom are either fleeing the state or landing behind bars.

Bhagwant Mann Government's Crackdown

Highlighting the state's approach, Cheema said that under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the anti-drug campaign has intensified. He added that while traffickers are being jailed, individuals found consuming drugs are being provided medical treatment and rehabilitation support.

Calling the campaign a "people's movement," Cheema asserted that the public is strongly backing the government's efforts to eliminate drugs from Punjab entirely.

The development has further escalated political tensions in the state, with reactions from opposition parties awaited.