BJP will eradicate drugs in Punjab like Naxalism, gangsterism were tackled: Dhillon

Dhillon alleged that the Punjab government had failed to deliver on its claims of eliminating drugs and said a “sixth river” of drugs was flowing in the state

Punjab president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Kewal Singh Dhillon on Friday said the party would work to eradicate drugs from Punjab, comparing the challenge with what he described as the BJP’s handling of Naxalism and gangsterism elsewhere in the country.

Punjab BJP chief appeals urges people to unite against drug abuse. (HT)

Speaking during a press conference in Ludhiana, Dhillon appealed to people to unite against drug abuse. The BJP’s ongoing ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’ began in Punjab on September 18 and will cover all 117 assembly constituencies before culminating in Jalandhar on September 30.

Dhillon alleged that the Punjab government had failed to deliver on its claims of eliminating drugs and said a “sixth river” of drugs was flowing in the state. He linked drug abuse among youngsters to economic backwardness and also alleged that women who raised their voices against drugs had complained of harassment by family and police.

17 families from Ludhiana and Jagraon who lost their loved ones because of drug abuse attended the event.

Shindo Bai of Jagraon said she had lost four sons to drugs.

Newspaper reports and photographs of Ludhiana residents who had allegedly died of drug abuse were placed on vacant chairs. Dhillon said that the vacant chairs represent lives that could have been saved through effective action.

Balwinder Kaur of Manjit Nagar claimed around 50 people had died due to drugs in her neighbourhood and alleged that drugs were being sold openly. Another resident claimed 10-12 people had died in the area and alleged that people opposing drug dealers were targeted.

These allegations could not be independently verified.

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