Chadha Announces Anti-Drug Yatra, Accuses Punjab Government on Narcotics

BJP Rajya Sabha MP Raghav Chadha on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Bhagwant Mann government over Punjab's drug problem, alleging that narcotics remain easily accessible in the state, including through home delivery. He also announced a statewide 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra' to be held from September 18 to 30.

Chadha said the campaign will begin from four different locations across Punjab and will focus on the BJP's roadmap to make the state drug-free. The party plans to present a detailed plan and strategy during the yatra.

Targeting the state government over the recent death of Gulzar Singh, Chadha questioned its claim of having curbed drugs in Punjab. He alleged that Singh had raised concerns about the worsening drug situation and was subsequently subjected to pressure and harassment that drove him to take his own life.

Chadha further alleged that a BJP delegation was prevented from meeting Gulzar Singh's family to offer condolences. He claimed the government was now on the defensive over the drug issue and reiterated that home delivery of drugs continues in the state.

Taking a broader swipe at the AAP government, Chadha said Punjab had reached a stage where people were standing in queues for drugs just as they would for ration, questioning how the government could claim the menace had been eliminated.

The announcement of the yatra comes as the drug issue increasingly emerges as a key political battleground ahead of the Assembly elections, with the BJP seeking to make it a major campaign plank against the Mann government.