Chandigarh, 25 February 2026: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab on Wednesday responded to a recent statement by Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) President Sukhbir Singh Badal, who reportedly said that if his party returns to power, drug traffickers and gangsters would be declared “terrorists” in the first cabinet meeting.
Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, AAP Punjab State Media In-charge Baltej Pannu questioned the statement and said that Punjab’s political history over the past decade must be part of any discussion on drugs and law enforcement.
Political Exchange Over Drug Control
Pannu alleged that the period between 2007 and 2017, when the Akali Dal-BJP alliance governed the state, witnessed the expansion of drug networks and organized crime. He claimed that gangsterism and narcotics-related activities increased during that time — allegations that leaders of the previous government have denied in the past.
The issue of drug trafficking has remained a central political debate in Punjab for several years, with successive governments claiming action and opposition parties raising accountability concerns.
Reference to Past Law and Order Cases
During the media interaction, Pannu referred to several high-profile incidents from the previous decade, including the Nabha jailbreak and other law-and-order cases that had attracted statewide attention. Many of these matters have been subject to investigations and court proceedings.
He also mentioned sacrilege-related incidents and firing cases that continue to be part of legal and judicial review processes.
AAP Government’s Anti-Drug Campaign
Highlighting the present administration’s approach, Pannu stated that the government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann is conducting a structured anti-drug campaign across the state.
According to AAP representatives, village-level committees have been formed to strengthen community participation, and law enforcement agencies are conducting intensified operations against narcotics and organized crime.
Pannu said that eliminating drug abuse requires sustained policy measures, institutional coordination, and long-term governance reforms.
Continuing Political Debate
The exchange reflects the continuing political debate in Punjab over drug control, law enforcement, and governance accountability. The issue of narcotics and public safety remains a major subject of discussion among political parties and citizens alike.
