Chandigarh: Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has launched a sharp attack on the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), accusing their former alliance government of allowing the drug problem to take root in Punjab. In a post on X, Bains also levelled allegations against senior Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, linking the ongoing disproportionate assets case to the wider controversy surrounding drugs in the state.
Bains claimed that the spread of synthetic drugs, commonly known as chitta, became a major concern during the SAD-BJP government’s decade in power from 2007 to 2017. He alleged that Majithia wielded considerable influence during that period, making it difficult for people to speak openly against him.
The minister credited Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann with taking action against Majithia and praised the state government’s efforts to tackle drug-related activities.
Bains Cites Chargesheet Against Majithia
Referring to the chargesheet filed against Majithia, Bains claimed that the document details alleged earnings of ₹736 crore from the drug trade, which he said were deposited into bank accounts belonging to companies associated with the Akali leader.
These claims form part of Bains’ political statement. The allegations should be distinguished from any findings established by a court, and the filing of a chargesheet does not by itself prove guilt.
The minister predicted that the legal proceedings would have serious consequences for Majithia. However, the outcome will depend on the judicial process.
Majithia, a prominent Akali Dal leader and former Punjab minister, has faced sustained criticism from the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) over allegations relating to drugs and financial assets.
Gujarat Drug Route Becomes Political Flashpoint
Bains also raised concerns about the alleged movement of drugs into Punjab, claiming that supplies from Pakistan had been significantly reduced under the Mann government while Gujarat had emerged as a major source.
He accused BJP leader Amit Shah and Majithia of working together politically and warned that a BJP-Akali Dal government in Punjab could reverse the state’s anti-drug efforts.
No supporting evidence for these specific claims was provided in the statement cited here. The allegations reflect the minister’s political position and were not independently established in the available information.
AAP Highlights Its Anti-Drug Campaign
Bains said the state government’s campaign against narcotics was being pursued despite significant risks and political opposition. He urged people in Punjab to remain cautious about parties he accused of weakening efforts to curb drug trafficking.
The minister warned that a change in government could undermine the measures introduced by the current administration and allow drug-related problems to intensify again.
Drug abuse and trafficking have remained prominent issues in Punjab’s political debate, with successive governments facing pressure to curb supply networks and address the social consequences of addiction.
Political Battle Over Drugs Intensifies
Bains’ remarks add to the growing political confrontation between the AAP government and opposition parties as questions surrounding Majithia’s legal cases continue to attract attention.
While the ruling party has presented its actions as evidence of a tougher approach to narcotics, the allegations against individual political leaders remain subject to the relevant legal proceedings.
The minister’s post is likely to further sharpen the debate over accountability, drug trafficking and the competing claims of Punjab’s political parties ahead of future electoral contests.
