'Exploited Bhagat Singh for Votes': BJP's Bittu Slams Congress, AAP
BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu accuses Congress and AAP of exploiting Bhagat Singh's name while failing to tackle the 'chitta' menace in Punjab.
In a scathing attack on political rivals, BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu has accused both the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) of failing to address the escalating drug crisis in Punjab. Bittu further alleged that these parties have been using the legendary freedom fighter Bhagat Singh's name merely to manipulate the sentimental nature of Punjabis for electoral gains.
Failure to Tackle 'Chitta' Menace
Speaking to ANI in Jalandhar, Bittu expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current political landscape in the state. He noted that the inability of the ruling and opposition parties to curb the synthetic drug trade was a primary reason for his decision to join the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
"Neither the Congress nor the Aam Aadmi Party did anything; that is precisely why we joined the BJP," Bittu stated. He emphasized that the political exploitation of Punjab's historical sentiments has become a common tactic, saying, "Punjabis are very sentimental; they exploited those sentiments by invoking Bhagat Singh's name to garner votes."
Amit Shah's Deadline for a Drug-Free Punjab
The remarks follow a significant address by Union Home Minister Amit Shah during the BJP’s ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’ in Jalandhar. Shah laid out a definitive timeline to eradicate the synthetic drug known as 'chitta' from the state.
Addressing the public, Shah made a solemn pledge to the women and youth of Punjab. He stated that if the BJP is given the mandate to govern, the state will be completely free from the trade of synthetic drugs by December 31, 2029.
BJP to Fight Solely on Drug-Free Punjab Issue
Amit Shah criticized the AAP government, alleging that their administration allowed the 'chitta' trade to flourish openly. While acknowledging that various issues such as farmers' welfare, industrial growth, law and order, and women's safety are vital, Shah declared that the BJP's central campaign focus will be singular and uncompromising.
"The upcoming election, the Bharatiya Janata Party, is going to fight solely and purely on the issue of a drug-free Punjab," Shah asserted. He appealed to the voters to support the 'lotus flower' symbol to ensure that no trace of synthetic drugs remains in Punjab by the end of 2029.