Our Fight Against Drugs Will Continue Until Punjab Is Completely Drug-Free: Minister Kuldeep Dhaliwal

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Intensifying the Punjab government's war against drugs, a vigilance team conducted a raid at the Amritsar residence of Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) leader Bikram Singh Majithia, leading to his detention. During the raid, officials seized 29 mobile phones, 4 laptops, 2 iPads, 8 diaries, and crucial documents, which are now under investigation for potential links to a ₹500-crore drug money scandal.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, addressing a press conference at the party office here on Wednesday, emphasized the state government’s unwavering commitment to eradicating drugs. He was accompanied by AAP leader Baltej Pannu in this press conference.

Dhaliwal stated, "Our government, led by CM Bhagwant Mann and guided by AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, is determined to rid Punjab of drugs. This fight will continue until Punjab is completely drug-free."

Minister Dhaliwal also highlighted the deep-rooted issue of drug proliferation during the ten-year regime of the SAD-BJP alliance (2007–2017), describing it as a period when “sixth river of drugs” was said to flow in Punjab. He reminded the public of testimonies such as that of notorious drug smuggler Jagdish Bhola, who named Majithia in court in 2013. Despite these revelations, successive governments failed to take action, even as lives were devastated by the drug crisis.

He further criticized the Congress government under former CM Captain Amarinder Singh, accusing it of inaction despite campaign promises. “Captain Amarinder Singh took an oath on the Gutka Sahib to eliminate drugs, but instead, the people of Punjab witnessed five years of a ‘Chacha-Bhatija’ (uncle-nephew) alliance between Captain Amarinder and Majithia,” Dhaliwal remarked.

The Punjab government launched the "War Against Drugs" campaign. Since then, thousands of drug traffickers have been imprisoned, their properties confiscated, and numerous illegal structures demolished. The recent raid on Majithia marks a critical escalation in the state’s crackdown on high-profile individuals allegedly involved in the drug trade.

Dhaliwal also responded to statements by opposition leaders, accusing them of defending Majithia. “These are the same leaders who remained silent when drugs ravaged Punjab’s youth. Now, when action is being taken against influential figures, they are making noise. Their criticism exposes their complicity in shielding those responsible for destroying Punjab’s future,” he said.

Dhaliwal expressed solidarity with the families who have lost their children to drugs, stating, “Today, those mothers may feel a glimmer of hope as they see justice being served. We assure them that this government will not rest until every individual responsible for the drug crisis is held accountable.”

Dhaliwal said, “The Aam Aadmi Party government has shown the courage to act against powerful drug smugglers. This fight, led by CM Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, will continue relentlessly until Punjab is free from the scourge of drugs.”