Punjab Saw Sharp Rise in Drug Problem Under AAP: Haryana CM Saini
Saini alleges that AAP failed to meet its commitments on drugs, jobs and farmers' issues during its tenure in Punjab.
Fazilka (Punjab), Sep 21: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of failing to deliver on its electoral promises, particularly its commitment to tackle drug abuse.
Addressing gatherings in Sito and Jalalabad during the BJP’s 13-day ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’, Saini alleged that the drug problem had increased fourfold during the AAP government’s tenure. He also claimed that the state’s debt had risen by a similar proportion.
Saini said AAP had promised to eliminate drugs within a few months of taking office, besides providing employment to young people and ensuring minimum support price procurement for farmers. He alleged that these commitments remained unfulfilled.
Taking aim at Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Saini referred to Mann’s earlier remarks about AAP gaining governing experience and alleged that the government had instead gained experience in dealing with corruption and the drug problem.
The Haryana chief minister also questioned the Punjab government’s claim of having arrested 71,000 people linked to the drug trade. He argued that the figure needed clarification given the reported capacity of the state’s prisons.
Saini further criticised the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign, alleging that the government was relying heavily on publicity while the drug issue continued to affect communities. He called on social organisations and BJP workers to assist families affected by addiction and help young people return to mainstream life.
He said the BJP would take strict action against those involved in drug trafficking if it formed the government in Punjab in the 2027 Assembly elections. The BJP’s ongoing anti-drug yatra began on September 18 and is scheduled to cover around 4,000 km and all 117 Assembly constituencies before concluding on September 30.
Saini also compared the development trajectories of Punjab and Haryana, saying the two neighbouring states shared close ties but claiming Haryana had made faster progress under the BJP-led government.
His remarks came amid an intensifying political debate over Punjab’s drug problem ahead of the Assembly elections, with the BJP highlighting the issue through its statewide campaign while the AAP government has been promoting its own anti-drug measures.
