Key Points
BJP challenges AAP's drug control cabinet committee credibility
Chugh demands dope tests for ministers
Mann announces three-month drug-free Punjab mission
Criticizes delayed government response
Chugh criticised the lengthy delay in the AAP government's response, led by the Bhagwant-Kejriwal duo, which took 36 months to address an issue that should have been tackled within 36 hours of assuming power in 2022. Chugh questioned how Cabinet ministers would perform tasks typically reserved for the police, such as checking drug-peddlers.
"Ever since AAP came to power in Punjab, drug mafias have flourished as much as the liquor mafias," he remarked.
He added in a statement that a dope test should indeed be conducted on the Cabinet committee members and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann to verify their sincerity.
He said that after the party's crushing defeat in the Delhi Assembly elections, it has suddenly become hyperactive in Punjab.
"This is a superficial effort that will once again expose AAP's inefficiency and lack of commitment in the coming days." Speaking to the media, Chugh commented that this would serve as another excuse for the AAP government to squander taxpayers' money on misleading advertisements.
"We have witnessed similar tactics in the fields of employment and health, and now, a new gimmick is being played on the people of Punjab," Chugh added.
Announcing a crusade against the drug menace, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Friday asked Commissioners of Police, Deputy Commissioners and Senior Superintendent of Police to make Punjab drug free in three months.
He said the government would set up special courts to ensure speedy trial of drugs cases and ensure conviction of the culprits.
Taking part in deliberations at a meeting with the top police officers, CM Bhagwant Mann said, "This is a historic moment as the Punjab government has adopted a zero-tolerance policy against drugs and is launching a crusade against this menace."
CM Mann said Punjab Police has a long and glorious history of tackling hostile law and order situations, and expressed hope that the police force would uphold its glorious tradition and make the state completely drug-free, with the active support and cooperation of the public.
CM Mann said there is no dearth of funds and assured full support and cooperation to the police and the civil administration for this cause.
