Chandigarh, 14 February 2026: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab on Friday criticised the Congress following reports that Congress leader Gurkirat Singh, also known as Kalu, was allegedly caught consuming heroin in Batala and subsequently booked under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act (NDPS Act).
According to local police reports, a case has been registered under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act, which governs offences related to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances in India.
AAP’s Response to the Incident
Reacting to the development, AAP Punjab Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal said the reported incident has emerged at a time when Punjab is engaged in a strong campaign against drug abuse. He stated that the matter raises political questions for the Congress party.
Dhaliwal alleged that Gurkirat Singh has been associated with senior Congress leader and former Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, and said that public scrutiny is inevitable when individuals holding political positions face such allegations.
Political Accountability and Internal Oversight
The AAP spokesperson said that political parties must ensure internal accountability when their office bearers face legal action. He added that incidents involving party leaders can impact public perception, especially in a state where drug abuse has remained a significant public policy issue.
Punjab has been confronting narcotics-related challenges for several years, with enforcement agencies conducting regular operations under the framework of the NDPS Act. Enforcement and investigation mechanisms operate under guidelines issued by the Government of India and state authorities.
Government’s Position on Anti-Drug Policy
Reiterating the Punjab Government’s stance, Dhaliwal stated that the current administration maintains a “zero tolerance” approach towards narcotics-related offences. He said that action will be taken in accordance with the law, irrespective of political affiliation.
Drug enforcement in India is coordinated through central and state agencies, including the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB), which functions under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Ongoing Investigation
Officials have indicated that the matter is under investigation. Further details are expected to emerge as authorities proceed according to legal procedures. Under Indian law, individuals booked under the NDPS Act are entitled to due process, and the case will be subject to judicial review.
The incident has drawn political reactions in the state, where narcotics control remains a major governance and law enforcement priority.
