Channi accuses AAP govt of failing to tackle drugs, crime

Jalandhar MP and Former Punjab chief minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday accused the Aam Aadmi Party government of failing to tackle drug trafficking, corruption and crime, alleging that the state was being run remotely from Delhi. He made the remarks during a press conference at the Jalandhar Press Club, where he also announced a Congress rally in Sangrur on November 4, to be attended by Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi.

Shahkot MLA Ladi Sherowalia, Adampur MLA Sukhwinder Kotli and Jalandhar district Congress president Rajinder Beri were also present at the press conference.

Channi alleged that drug abuse continued to claim young lives across Punjab, while the government had failed to take effective action against major trafficking networks. He claimed that the police were primarily targeting drug users instead of those supplying narcotics and said the situation was particularly concerning in the Malwa region.

The Congress MP further alleged that the drug trade enjoyed political protection in the state and accused the government of failing to safeguard people who raised their voices against the menace. Referring to the reported death of a youth from a suspected overdose in Sardulgarh, Mansa district, he questioned the police response and called for protection for those campaigning against drugs.

Channi also levelled allegations of corruption, illegal mining and bribery against the Bhagwant Mann government. He claimed that affidavits had been filed in certain cases before the Punjab and Haryana High Court concerning allegations against the chief minister’s family. He called for an impartial investigation into the allegations and urged the government to clarify its position. The claims were not independently verified.

Raising concerns over unemployment and law and order, Channi alleged that a lack of employment and business opportunities was pushing young people towards crime. He cited incidents of robbery, extortion and shootings in Jalandhar and other parts of Punjab, claiming that traders and residents were living in fear. He accused the government of failing to curb gangster activity and said ensuring public safety was its primary responsibility.

Announcing the November 4 rally in Sangrur, Channi said the Congress would highlight drug trafficking, corruption, gangster activity, illegal mining and bribery. He said Rahul Gandhi would attend the event and urged party workers and the public to participate in large numbers.