Channi Flip-Flops on Drugs Issue Seeing Stance of the People of Punjab: Harpal Cheema

Chandigarh(The Uttam Hindu): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema today strongly criticized the hypocrisy and opportunism of opposition leaders, especially Congress and BJP, over their stance on drug trade in Punjab. Minister Cheema shared video evidence to expose how these leaders had earlier condemned drug kingpins like Bikram Majithia but are now shamelessly defending him as the AAP government takes decisive action against him.

Addressing the media, Harpal Singh Cheema remarked, "From 2007 to 2017, Punjab witnessed an alarming rise in drug trafficking and the spread of substances like chitta (synthetic drugs), heroin, and smack. This dark period in our state’s history, marked by the blatant drug trade, is indelibly linked to the rule of the Akali-BJP government. Now, when the AAP government is taking strict actions against these criminals, the very same opposition leaders who once promised to eliminate drugs from Punjab are shamelessly defending those involved in this nefarious trade."

He pointed out that from 2007 to 2017, it was during the tenure of Akali Dal and BJP alliance that Punjab’s youth became entangled in the deadly claws of drugs. "The history books will mark the first time that Punjab’s youth, many of whom left for foreign lands to escape this epidemic, were systematically destroyed by this drug trade, which was not only ignored but actually encouraged by the previous governments," Cheema said.

Minister Cheema also emphasized how key opposition leaders had previously called for action against Bikram Singh Majithia involved in the drug trade, yet today, they are attempting to shield him. He specifically referenced Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa, who had promised to take action against Bikram Majithia and others in 2016, only to now reverse his stance and defend him. "In 2016, Bajwa publicly stated that when the Congress government comes to power, they would drag Bikram Majithia and other accused through the streets, but today, he calls Majithia a ‘clean’ man," Cheema said, urging Bajwa to clarify his double standards.

Cheema also brought attention to statements from Congress leaders like Sukhpal Singh Khaira and Former CM Charanjit Singh Channi, who had at one point accused Majithia of involvement in drug trafficking, but are now backtracking. He noted, "Khaira and Channi both once called Majithia a ‘drug lord’ and demanded stringent action against him. Today, when the AAP government is pursuing justice, they have chosen to defend him. This is nothing but opportunism and betrayal of the people of Punjab."

The AAP Minister didn’t spare BJP leader Ravneet Bittu either, highlighting how he had linked Majithia to the drug trade, only to now protect him. "These leaders have no integrity. They flip their positions based on political convenience, while the youth of Punjab continue to suffer due to the drugs that these very leaders allowed to flourish during their time in power," Cheema asserted.

Minister Cheema further added, "The people of Punjab deserve answers from these leaders. What changed overnight? Why is there such a blatant defense of Majithia and others involved in the drug trade now? Is it because of the political convenience of protecting their party's interests? The people of Punjab want to know."

He concluded by reiterating AAP’s firm commitment to fighting the drug menace in Punjab, regardless of who is involved. "The war against drugs will continue relentlessly. Every individual, no matter their political affiliation, will be held accountable for their actions. We will not rest until every drug dealer and drug lord is behind bars, and Punjab is rid of this menace forever.