Ahead of polls, Amit Shah attacks Mann govt for drug menace

Political parties, including the BJP, have been increasingly highlighting the drug issue in poll-bound Punjab

NEW DELHI/CHANDIGARH: Union home minister Amit Shah on Friday said the Centre will seek Punjab govt's response over two incidents in the state: a father consuming poison under pressure in Dirba and the broad daylight killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa.In a post on microblogging site X, Shah said Punjab is today grappling with a rising threat of drugs, gangsterism and organised crime. He asked chief minister Bhagwant Mann who will ultimately bear the responsibility for the safety of Punjab's people."In Dirba, a father succumbing to pressure and consuming poison, and in Mansa, the broad-daylight murder of Parvinder Singh Jhota -- who had raised his voice against drugs -- have raised serious questions about the law and order situation in Punjab," Shah's post read.Political parties, including the BJP, have been increasingly highlighting the drug issue in poll-bound Punjab, where assembly elections are due early next year.In his X post, Shah said, "In Punjab, the drug trade is flourishing, the threat of organised crime is growing, and questions are being raised about the safety of those who speak out against drugs."Addressing chief minister Mann, Shah said the people of Punjab want results, not publicity.

"Bhagwant Mann ji, the people of Punjab do not want promises, they want answers; not announcements, but results; decisive strikes against drug networks; and an impartial investigation into any political patronage received by criminals.

"Today, I reiterate my pledge before the people of Punjab that when our government comes to power in Punjab, we will work with full force to create a drug-free, gangster-free, and secure Punjab.

Our goal is clear: strikes against the drug trade, protection of our youth's future, strict action against criminals, and the rule of law in such a way that no citizen is forced to live under the shadow of fear," the home minister said.Reacting sharply to Shah's post, Mann pointed to a drug seizure at a Gujarat port and said the home minister should to "take responsibility" for his own duties.In an X post in Punjabi, Mann said, "Amit Shah ji, you should have consulted with your advisors before speaking about me. The BSF (Border Security Force) has jurisdiction over a 50-kilometre range. 3,000 kg of 'chitta' (synthetic drugs) are being seized at the Kandla port in Gujarat. Before blaming Bhagwant Mann, take responsibility for your own duties. Do not simply copy-paste tweets drafted for your sycophants.