CHANDIGARH, February 10, 2026: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Tuesday raised serious concerns over the so-called anti-drug yatra initiated by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria. He said that while the AAP government has been consistently leading a sustained fight against drugs, the Governor’s separate yatra raises troubling questions about the company he has chosen to keep.
Addressing a press conference at the AAP office, Dhaliwal said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, the Punjab government has been continuously organising anti-drug campaigns and yatras across the state.
“These are not symbolic events but part of a sustained, on-ground battle against drugs. However, rattled by the success of our government’s efforts, the Governor has launched a parallel yatra. The method adopted and the people involved raise serious concerns,” he stated.
AAP Supports Genuine Anti-Drug Efforts, But Questions Intent
Dhaliwal clarified that the AAP does not oppose any genuine initiative against drugs. “We want every individual, organisation and institution to join the fight against drugs. But it is deeply condemnable that the Governor is walking alongside those who are themselves accused of enabling the drug menace in Punjab,” he said.
Concerns Over Political Presence in Yatra
Taking strong exception to the presence of Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and BJP leader Ashwani Sharma in the Governor’s yatra, Dhaliwal questioned the credibility of the initiative.
“A yatra in which Sukhbir Singh Badal and Ashwani Sharma are seated together cannot genuinely aim to eradicate drugs. Instead of inspiring confidence, it appears to shield those who were in power when drugs spread widely across Punjab,” he remarked.
Reference to Past Governments
Dhaliwal further said that before embarking on such a yatra, the Governor should have reflected on Punjab’s recent political history.
“From 2007 to 2017, when these forces were in power, drugs flourished openly in Punjab. Today, the same people are sharing the stage with the Governor. These are the very individuals who, while in authority, allegedly provided shelter to drug traffickers,” he alleged.
Moral Message to Punjab’s Youth
Expressing concern over the message being sent to the youth of Punjab, Dhaliwal said that people want to know how those who allegedly failed to curb drugs in the past are now leading an anti-drug campaign.
“By standing with them, the Governor risks encouraging the very forces that pushed Punjab’s youth into darkness,” he said.
AAP’s Continued Anti-Drug Commitment
Dhaliwal maintained that since coming to power, the AAP government has treated the drug menace in Punjab as its biggest challenge. “For the past four years, we have been fighting a decisive and sustained battle against drugs at every level,” he said.
He added that if the Governor was truly serious about eliminating drugs, he should collaborate with grassroots organisations and individuals who have consistently worked against drug abuse.
Concluding, Dhaliwal said that the people of Punjab are closely watching developments. “They know who is genuinely fighting drugs and who is standing with those accused of enabling it. The AAP government will continue its anti-drug campaign with full commitment,” he stated.
