Kangana Ranaut's Comments on Punjab's Drug Situation Sparks Row, Harpal Singh Cheema Hits Back

Chandigarh (The Uttam Hindu): Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has strongly criticized BJP MP Kangana Ranaut's statement on drug addiction, saying she should control her words. Cheema accused Ranaut of making absurd remarks to stay in the media spotlight and lacking a proper understanding of society.

Key Points from Harpal Singh Cheema's Response

1. Drug Addiction Not Limited to Himachal: Cheema cited a national report showing Punjab is far behind other states like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, where BJP governments are in place, in terms of drug addiction.

2. Gujarat's Role in Drug Supply: Cheema pointed out that Gujarat, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah hail from, is often linked to drug smuggling and gangsters. He suggested Ranaut should survey Gujarat to understand the extent of drug supply from its ports.

3. Punjab's Efforts to Combat Drug Abuse: Cheema highlighted that Punjab has taken steps to eliminate drug abuse and is working to address the issue.

Kangana Ranaut's Controversial Statements

Kangana said "The situation in Himachal has become serious due to drugs. If strict steps are not taken soon, then our situation will become like those villages of Punjab, where only women and widows live." Kangana further said, "Drugs are reaching Himachal from Pakistan via Punjab.

Children have even sold their parents' jewelry. Youths who consume drugs lock themselves in rooms, shout, commit thefts, break vehicles and furniture and vandalize houses. This has made the situation worse than death." Kangana has given controversial statements earlier too.

The BJP has distanced itself from Ranaut's statements, saying she is not authorized to make statements on party policy issues.