Punjab ministers attend Jashn-e-Inquilab in Ludhiana, target BJP's anti-drug campaign
Punjab ministers attend Jashn-e-Inquilab in Ludhiana, slamming BJP's anti-drug campaign as mere theatrics while honoring Bhagat Singh's legacy.
In a massive gathering at the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) ground in Ludhiana, Punjab government ministers attended the 'Jashn-e-Inquilab' programme to celebrate the birth anniversary of the legendary revolutionary, Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh. While the event was a tribute to the martyr's legacy, it quickly turned into a political battlefield as state leaders launched scathing attacks on the BJP's recent anti-drug initiatives.
Honouring the Legacy of Bhagat Singh
The event, organised by the Punjab Government under the administration of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party, aimed to inspire the youth. Ministers Aman Arora, Harpal Singh Cheema, and Harbhajan Singh ETO addressed a massive crowd of young people gathered from across the state.
Minister Harpal Singh Cheema noted that the programme brought together hundreds of thousands of youngsters to reconnect with the ideals of Bhagat Singh. Similarly, Harbhajan Singh ETO emphasized that the core message of 'Jashn-e-Inquilab' was for the younger generation to remain united and carry forward the visionary path laid down by the revolutionary leader.
Ministers Slam BJP's 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra'
The celebratory atmosphere was punctuated by sharp political jabs directed at the BJP's ongoing 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra'. The BJP recently launched this 13-day campaign, covering approximately 4,000 kilometres across 117 Assembly constituencies, which is set to conclude in Jalandhar on September 30 with the participation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah.
Minister Aman Arora dismissed the BJP's efforts as "mere theatrics" and "crocodile tears." He pointed towards the period between 2007 and 2017, alleging that the term 'Chitta' (synthetic drugs) first entered the Punjab lexicon during the BJP-backed tenure. "They were complicit back then, and today they are shedding crocodile tears," Arora stated, adding that the people of Punjab have already seen through these political journeys.
Echoing these sentiments, Harbhajan Singh ETO called the BJP's campaign a "charade" and a "show." He questioned the credibility of the opposition, asking what kind of drug-free campaign they could run when they were the ones responsible for bringing drugs into the state. He noted that the lack of significant response to these yatras across Punjab proves their lack of impact.
Political Tug-of-War Ahead of 2027
The drug menace has emerged as a central political flashpoint in the state. As the 2027 Assembly elections approach, the BJP is aggressively targeting the Aam Aadmi Party government over the drug crisis. In response, AAP leaders have shifted the blame back to previous administrations, framing the BJP's current movements as politically motivated stunts rather than genuine social reform.