Chandigarh, June 15, 2026: Punjab Finance Minister and senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Harpal Singh Cheema on Monday launched a sharp attack on the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), alleging that the arrest of a BJP functionary in a drug-related case has exposed the party’s alleged links with the narcotics trade.
Cheema claimed that while drug smugglers previously operated under the protection of BJP leaders, party office-bearers and members are now themselves being caught in drug-related cases. He said the development raises serious questions about the BJP’s role in the drug menace that has affected Punjab over the years.
BJP’s Double Standards Exposed: Cheema
Addressing the media, Harpal Singh Cheema said the arrest has exposed what he described as the BJP’s double standards on the issue of drugs.
“For years, the BJP has attempted to politicise the issue of drugs in Punjab. However, one of its own office-bearers has now been arrested in a drug-related case. This has exposed the party’s real face before the people of Punjab,” he said.
Cheema alleged that the BJP has consistently portrayed itself as being against drugs while individuals associated with the party are now being linked to narcotics-related activities.
‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ Campaign Continuing with Full Force
The Finance Minister highlighted the Punjab Government’s ongoing anti-drug drive, stating that the Bhagwant Singh Mann-led government has been running the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign since March 2022 with a zero-tolerance approach toward drug trafficking.
According to Cheema, hundreds of major drug smugglers have been arrested and sent to jail during the campaign, while properties linked to the illegal drug trade have been demolished or confiscated.
He emphasized that strict action is being taken against every individual involved in the narcotics trade, irrespective of political affiliation or influence.
Drug Crisis Spread During SAD-BJP Regime, Says Cheema
Cheema alleged that Punjab witnessed its worst drug crisis during the tenure of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP government.
“It was during the SAD-BJP regime that ‘chitta’ spread across Punjab and caused immense damage to the state’s youth. The people of Punjab know who was responsible for pushing the state into darkness,” he said.
The minister added that the same political parties that were in power during that period are now attempting to avoid accountability by targeting the current government.
BJP Must Explain Repeated Drug Recoveries in Gujarat
The Finance Minister also questioned the BJP over repeated reports of large drug seizures in Gujarat.
“Instead of targeting Punjab, the BJP should explain why massive quantities of narcotics are repeatedly being recovered from Gujarat. The party must answer how drugs are entering the country on such a large scale under its watch,” Cheema said.
He argued that while the Punjab Government is aggressively fighting drug trafficking within the state, there must also be accountability regarding drug smuggling routes at the national level.
Government Strengthening Border Security and Anti-Drug Measures
Cheema said the Punjab Government has intensified efforts to curb drug trafficking by deploying anti-drone systems along border areas, strengthening enforcement operations and taking action against financial networks linked to narcotics trafficking.
He also highlighted the expansion of de-addiction and rehabilitation facilities across the state to help individuals struggling with addiction return to normal life.
“The government’s objective is not only to punish traffickers but also to rehabilitate those affected by drug addiction and reintegrate them into society,” he said.
No Political Protection for Anyone Involved in Drugs
Reiterating the government’s zero-tolerance policy, Cheema stated that no individual would receive political protection if found involved in drug trafficking.
“Whether a person is a BJP leader, office-bearer, supporter or belongs to any other political party, strict legal action will be taken if they are found involved in the drug trade. The law is equal for everyone under the Bhagwant Mann Government,” he said.
Punjab Government Committed to a Drug-Free State
Concluding his remarks, Harpal Singh Cheema said the people of Punjab are fully aware of which political parties contributed to the state’s problems in the past and who is working to secure its future.
He asserted that the Bhagwant Mann Government remains committed to making Punjab drug-free and that the ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign will continue with full force until every drug trafficker is brought to justice.
“The fight against drugs will continue relentlessly. Our government is determined to eliminate the drug menace and protect Punjab’s future generations,” he said.
