Chandigarh: Punjab Cabinet Minister and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Harpal Singh Cheema on Thursday accused the Shiromani Akali Dal-BJP alliance and the Congress of allowing drugs and gangsterism to grow in Punjab during their respective tenures. He said the Bhagwant Mann-led government was intensifying its campaign against narcotics and organised crime, while alleging that the BJP was politicising drug-related deaths instead of addressing the problem in states governed by the party.
How Has Cheema Criticised Previous Governments Over Drugs?
Addressing a press conference, Cheema alleged that the Akali Dal-BJP government, which ruled Punjab from 2007 to 2017, had allowed the spread of chitta, other narcotics and gangsterism. He also criticised the Congress government that held office from 2017 to 2022, claiming it failed to deliver on its promise to tackle the drug problem.
Cheema maintained that the AAP government had taken sustained action against drug traffickers and criminal networks since assuming office.
What Action Has Punjab Taken Against Gangsters and Criminals?
According to Cheema, the state government established the Anti-Gangster Task Force shortly after coming to power. He said the force had carried out raids, arrested suspects involved in multiple offences, recovered illegal weapons and pursued criminals who had fled abroad to evade legal action.
He cited government figures showing that 2,105 proclaimed offenders had been apprehended, while 81,499 people had been arrested in operations against gangsters and crime.
How Extensive Is the Yudh Nashean Virudh Campaign?
Cheema said the Punjab government had launched Yudh Nashean Virudh to strengthen its campaign against drugs, alongside measures such as deploying anti-drone systems along the border.
He stated that from March 31, 2025, onwards, authorities had registered 68,545 drug-related cases and arrested nearly 90,000 accused.
The minister also listed seizures made during enforcement operations, including approximately 450 kilograms of heroin, drug money worth more than ₹23 crore, over 67 lakh intoxicant capsules, around 4,200 injections and 84 kilograms of intoxicating powder. He said the action was aimed at disrupting supply networks and preventing narcotics from reaching young people.
Why Has Cheema Compared Punjab With BJP-Ruled States?
Cheema referred to a newspaper report published on October 25, claiming it showed a 5.5% decline in drug use in Punjab. He contrasted this with reported increases of 28% in Delhi, 18% in Uttar Pradesh, 42% in Haryana and 51% in Madhya Pradesh.
He said the figures were based on Government of India data rather than statistics compiled by the AAP government. The specific report and its methodology were not provided in the press release.
Cheema also cited reported remarks by Bihar Director General of Police Kundan Krishnan, who he said had suggested that other states could learn from Punjab’s efforts to combat drugs.
What Questions Has Cheema Raised About Gujarat?
The AAP leader questioned the BJP’s record on narcotics, pointing to its more than three decades in power in Gujarat. He alleged that drugs originating from or moving through Gujarat were contributing to the wider national problem and challenged the party to explain its approach to tackling the issue.
Cheema said the Punjab government would continue its campaign against drug trafficking, gangsters and organised crime, describing the protection of the state’s younger generation as a central priority.
