Ahead of polls, Amit Shah attacks Mann govt for drug menace
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has criticized the Punjab government over rising drug-related issues and the murder of an anti-drug activist. Shah pledged that a future government would prioritize a drug-free and secure Punjab, while Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann dismissed the claims as political posturing.
Why it matters
The exchange underscores the intense political rivalry in Punjab ahead of upcoming elections, with law and order serving as a primary campaign issue.
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…
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