BJP MP Raghav Chadha Slams Mann Government Over Punjab’s Drug Crisis

CHANDIGARH, Sept 10: BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Thursday launched a sharp attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led government in Punjab, alleging that synthetic drugs are widely available across the state and even being delivered to homes.

Chadha claimed that the availability of ‘chitta’, a term commonly used for synthetic drugs in Punjab, has reached alarming levels. He alleged that narcotics are being sold openly in streets, localities and villages.

Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, the BJP leader questioned the state government’s handling of the issue and sought answers on the measures taken to curb the circulation of narcotics.

He alleged that the situation had deteriorated over the past several years and claimed that drug networks had expanded during the nearly five-year tenure of the Aam Aadmi Party government.

Chadha also raised the issue of the death of Gulzar Singh, a resident of Dirba in Sangrur district, who allegedly died after consuming poison on the night of September 7.

According to Singh’s family, he had questioned Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about the alleged supply of drugs in the area during an event in Dirba on September 6.

Chadha alleged that Singh had sought justice after claiming that his son had become a victim of substance abuse. He said the circumstances surrounding the villager’s death had raised serious concerns and demanded accountability from the state government.

The BJP MP also alleged that Singh had recorded a video before his death, which he described as a dying declaration. He said the incident had caused widespread concern and called for a thorough investigation.

Meanwhile, Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon, along with other senior party leaders, met Singh’s family on Thursday and sought a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the matter.

Chadha further alleged that BJP leaders were prevented from offering condolences to the bereaved family, questioning whether expressing sympathy had also become an issue in the state.

The BJP leader was speaking after attending a meeting chaired by party national general secretary Satish Poonia at the Punjab BJP office. The meeting focused on preparations for the party’s upcoming anti-drug campaign.

The BJP has announced a ‘Nasha-Mukt Punjab Yatra’ from September 18 to September 30. Chadha said the campaign would begin from four separate locations and would focus on presenting the party’s roadmap for making Punjab free from narcotics.

He said the BJP would outline specific measures during the campaign and seek public participation in its efforts to tackle substance abuse.

Chadha also responded to questions over the AAP’s criticism of his vote and other political issues, taking a sarcastic swipe at his former party.

The remarks came a day after the AAP sought clarification from the Election Commission regarding the process through which Chadha’s name was added to the Delhi electoral roll. The party asked the poll panel to make the relevant Form 6 available and provide an opportunity for objections.