Only double-engine govt can tackle drugs, crime in Punjab: Dhillon

Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon on Tuesday said only a BJP double-engine government could tackle the drug menace and restore law and order in the state, while criticising the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over rising crime and accusing the Congress and AAP of political infighting in the Assembly.

Addressing a press conference at BJP Bhawan in Chandigarh, Dhillon alleged that shootings, killings, extortion demands and gang-related violence had created fear among residents and business owners.

He accused the AAP government of failing to control gangsters and drug trafficking, saying legislators should focus on public concerns rather than political confrontations.

Dhillon compared clashes between Congress and AAP members in the Assembly to fights between roosters. He said lawmakers should discuss law and order, unemployment, Punjab’s financial condition and drug abuse instead of engaging in political disputes.

He also alleged that the Assembly session had not given adequate attention to the state’s law and order situation and questioned the government’s response to incidents of violence.

On drug trafficking, Dhillon said the scale of addiction and the movement of narcotics into Punjab required urgent action.

He alleged that the drug trade could not continue on such a scale without the involvement or complicity of elements within the state administration or police. He did not provide evidence to substantiate the allegation.

Responding to claims that significant proportion of drugs entering Punjab originated in other states, Dhillon said authorities needed to distinguish between narcotics intercepted at the borders and those distributed within the state.

He said border security agencies had a role in preventing cross-border smuggling, while the state government and police were responsible for stopping drugs from reaching local communities.

Dhillon said the BJP would act strongly against drugs if voted to power. He also cited the party’s governance record in states where it is in office.

Referring to farmers’ support, he cited Haryana’s minimum support price arrangements and argued that state governments could provide additional financial assistance to farmers.

On the BJP’s preparations for the next Punjab Assembly elections, Dhillon said the party was preparing to contest 117 seats.

He said the party was preparing across Punjab and would frame its election strategy based on its assessment of the political situation. He did not explain the reference to 118 seats.

Dhillon said the people of Punjab would decide which party formed the next government through their votes.

The Punjab BJP chief also criticised the Congress leadership, accusing the party of focusing on political controversies rather than public concerns.

He condemned remarks attributed to Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, describing them as inappropriate and saying political leaders should maintain the dignity of public discourse.