Daijiworld Media Network - Jalandhar
Jalandhar, Jun 14: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday alleged that 70 per cent of the drugs reaching Punjab were entering through Gujarat and accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of failing to curb the menace.
Addressing traders during the ‘Sarkar-Vyapar Milni’ programme in Jalandhar, Kejriwal claimed Gujarat had become a gateway for drugs under BJP rule. He also accused the Centre of shielding jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi, referring to him as the BJP's “damaad” (son-in-law).
Kejriwal said that when the AAP government assumed office in Punjab, around 70 per cent of drugs were allegedly entering from Pakistan and 30 per cent through Gujarat. He claimed stringent policing and anti-drone operations had significantly curbed drug smuggling from across the border, resulting in a larger proportion now coming through Gujarat.
To support his allegations, he referred to the seizure of large quantities of narcotics at Mundra Port in Gujarat and cited reports concerning drug seizures in the state.
The AAP leader also launched a sharp attack on rival political parties in Punjab. Without naming them directly at first, he described the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) as the “Chitta Party”, the BJP as the “ED Party” and the Congress as the “Jhagda Party”, while portraying AAP as a party of the people.
Kejriwal alleged that the BJP had used the Enforcement Directorate (ED) to intimidate traders and industrialists. He claimed the party received substantial donations through fear of ED raids, while AAP received comparatively smaller contributions despite being in power in Punjab.
On the issue of law and order, Kejriwal alleged that many gangsters had links with leaders of previous governments. He claimed that AAP's crackdown had dismantled much of the criminal network operating in the state.
Referring to Lawrence Bishnoi, currently lodged in Sabarmati Jail, Kejriwal alleged that central authorities were protecting the gangster and preventing Punjab Police from taking him into custody for interrogation within the state.
The AAP chief also announced several initiatives for Punjab residents, including the expansion of the government's pilgrimage programme to destinations such as Salasar, Khatu Shyam, Mathura and Vrindavan. He further announced plans for the renovation of the Kali Mata Temple in Patiala and the staging of a Ramayana-based play by actor Ashutosh Rana in the state.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, who was also present at the event, accused previous governments of exploiting traders and nurturing criminal elements. He assured the business community that the government would address their grievances and examine the demands submitted during the programme.
The event was attended by senior AAP leaders, including Manish Sisodia, Punjab AAP president Aman Arora, Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, party legislators and members of the trade wing.