Political mercury rises in Punjab ahead of Amit Shah’s visit
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to visit Punjab to meet families of anti-drug activists killed in recent violence, using the occasion to criticize the AAP government's handling of the state's drug crisis. In response, AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has accused the BJP of failing to manage law and order in its own jurisdictions while shielding notorious gangsters. The political tension is further compounded by demands from the Shiromani Akali Dal for a CBI investigation into the alleged nexus between politicians, police, and drug traffickers.
Why it matters
The escalating conflict highlights the intense political polarization in Punjab over the state's drug epidemic and law-and-order failures, which are becoming central issues ahead of future electoral cycles.
Political mercury rises in Punjab ahead of Amit Shah’s visit left Union Home Minister Amit Shah. File ANI ANI https://th-i.thgim.com/public/incoming/5v925u/article71602926.ece/alternates/FREE_1200/20261016302L.jpg ANI Ahmedabad, Oct 16 (ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah leaves from Prerna Tirth Derasar after taking the blessings of Gachchadhipati Aacharya Narratna Suriswar Maharaj, in Ahmedabad on Friday. (ANI Photo) The AAP government has left no stone unturned in pushing Punjab into the pit of drugs, which caused many families to lose their children, said Amit Shah CHANDIGARH Political temperature rose on Monday (October 19, 2026) ahead of Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s slated visit to Punjab on October 20, during which he is set to meet the families of those who lost their lives after speaking out against the drug menace. Editorial | Drugs and bullets: On narcotrafficking and targeted killings in Punjab https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/drugs-and-bullets-on-narcotrafficking-and-targeted-killings-in-punjab/article71584835.ece Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon said Mr.
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