The Fact News Service
Chandigarh, June 13
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders have strongly criticized Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring’s statement advocating for the legalization of opium and bhukki (poppy husk) outlets, accusing Congress leaders of promoting drug use.
AAP leader Baltej Pannu said that the statements made by Congress leaders clearly indicate that they do not want drugs eradicated from Punjab. “They want to replace one drug with another, even though they know the AAP government has been waging a war against drugs to root this menacw out of Punjab,” said Pannu.
He questioned the Congress leaders’ motives, asking why they would try to undermine Punjab’s anti-drug campaign. “Drugs cannot be the solution to drugs,” he asserted, suggesting that perhaps Raja Warring has personal experiences related to drugs, which is why he wants opium outlets across Punjab.
Pannu further asked Warring, “Do you want to legalize opium and bhukki or flood Punjab with drugs? Are you trying to portray Punjabis globally as addicts? Talking about opening such outlets implies that Punjabis cannot live without drugs. The Congress Party must rein in its leaders and stop them from making statements that promote drug use.”
Punjab’s Youth Need Education and Employment, Not Drugs: Neel Garg
AAP spokesperson Neel Garg also criticized Raja Warring’s remarks, stating that Congress leaders continue to make statements promoting drugs because they are not interested in solving the problem. “Punjab’s youth need education and employment, not drugs,” he emphasized.
He added, “When young people receive quality education and good jobs, they naturally steer away from drugs. The AAP government understands this, which is why we are raising awareness about drugs while also providing employment opportunities for the youth.”
Garg pointed out that such statements should not be made, given that Punjab has already lost two generations to drug addiction over the last 20 years, devastating thousands of families.
“Drugs have caused immense social, political, and economic harm to Punjab, and our reputation has suffered globally because of it. Many parents sent their children abroad out of fear that they would fall into the trap of addiction here. We must collectively work to rescue Punjab from this destruction and avoid making such reckless statements, as drugs inevitably lead to ruin,” he concluded.
