'Don't make this a vote-trading exercise': Bajwa hits Amit Shah
Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa questions Amit Shah's deadline to end the drug menace in Punjab, calling it a vote-trading exercise.
In a sharp political confrontation, Punjab Leader of Opposition and Congress leader Pratap Singh Bajwa has launched a scathing attack on Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding his recent pledge to eliminate drugs in Punjab by December 31, 2029. Speaking in Chandigarh, Bajwa questioned the central government's accountability and challenged the BJP's track record in managing drug-related issues across India.
Questioning the Centre's Responsibility
The controversy erupted following Amit Shah's recent statement in Jalandhar, where he alleged that the AAP-led Punjab government has allowed the "chitta" trade to flourish. Shah had vowed that if the BJP is given power, the state would be drug-free by the end of 2029. Bajwa, however, viewed this deadline as an attempt to evade current responsibilities.
"I want to ask the Home Minister this: Does this mean that until your government comes to power in Punjab, you will wash your hands of the matter and claim no responsibility?" Bajwa asked. He emphasized that safeguarding a border state and breaking the supply chain of massive drug syndicates is a joint responsibility between the Centre and the state, regardless of political friction.
The 'Big Crocodiles' and Border Security
Bajwa raised critical questions about who is tasked with arresting the high-level kingpins—whom he referred to as the "big crocodiles"—of the drug trade. He pointed out that several border districts in Punjab have been declared "super-sensitive," areas where the Border Security Force (BSF) operates under central jurisdiction.
"So many drones are coming across the border... our border districts fall under your jurisdiction. So, do not turn this into a vote-trading exercise," Bajwa remarked, adding that the BJP should not promise results in exchange for votes when the current security situation is under their watch.
Challenging the BJP's Track Record
The Congress leader did not stop at questioning the timeline; he also challenged the BJP to prove its efficacy in other states. Bajwa demanded that the party name even a single BJP-governed state that has been successfully made drug-free.
To support his argument, Bajwa cited massive drug seizures occurring in states currently under BJP rule, including:
- Mundra Port: Where 3,000 kilograms of heroin were seized.
- Lakshadweep: Where 526 kilograms of drugs were intercepted.
"The largest quantities of drugs are being seized in states governed by you," Bajwa stated, arguing that if the BJP cannot manage drug control in these regions, their three-year promise to Punjab lacks credibility. He concluded by suggesting that while anything is possible with right intentions, he believes the current approach lacks genuine commitment to the issue.