Chandigarh, Sep 19: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Saturday criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab over the state’s drug problem, alleging that repeated deadlines announced to tackle the menace had not produced the promised results.Addressing a gathering at Fatehgarh Sahib ahead of the BJP’s second ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’, Gupta said the AAP government had initially promised to address the drug issue within a short period after coming to power in 2022.
She alleged that the deadline had subsequently been extended several times, questioning the government’s ability to fulfil its commitment to make Punjab free from drugs.
Gupta said the 13-day campaign was intended to raise public awareness about drug abuse and related issues, while also accusing the AAP leadership of using the campaign for political purposes.She also targeted AAP national convenor and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, alleging that he was exercising excessive political influence over the Punjab government.
Gupta further criticised the state government’s handling of its finances and law-and-order situation.The Delhi chief minister claimed that issues including gang violence and targeted killings had contributed to concerns over security in the state.
The BJP’s ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’ is being organised as part of its campaign against drug abuse in the state. The initiative comes ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections scheduled for 2027.
The allegations made by Gupta are part of the BJP’s political criticism of the Punjab government. The AAP has defended its governance and anti-drug measures and has also criticised the BJP’s campaign.
The issue of drug abuse remains a significant political and social concern in Punjab, with political parties continuing to differ over the effectiveness of measures taken to address it.
