States » NorthPosted at: Oct 19 2026 7:42PM


Jakhar slams Mann over Punjab drug crisis, says CM fled to France to avoid facing Amit Shah

Chandigarh, Oct 19 (UNI) Punjab BJP leader Sunil Jakhar on Monday launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over the state's drug crisis, accusing him of leaving for France to avoid facing union Home Minister Amit Shah and describing the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's anti-drug campaign as a "complete drama".
Jakhar, who met Punjab Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav along with the family of Lovepreet, who died in Abohar on September 15 in a suspected drug-related incident, alleged that the government had failed to act against drug traffickers despite repeated complaints.
"Punjab is burning because of drugs, but the Chief Minister has gone to France to celebrate his birthday. He cannot look the union Home Minister in the eye because he knows the reality of his government's claims," Jakhar said ahead of Shah's scheduled Punjab visit on October 20.
Accusing the Mann government of selective action against alleged drug traffickers, Jakhar questioned why properties linked to former AIG Raj Jit Singh and Karam Singh had not faced similar demolition action.
"The entire war against drugs is a drama. Why have bulldozers not been used against the houses of Raj Jit Singh and Karam Singh? This pick-and-choose policy has caused enormous damage to Punjab," he alleged.
Raising questions over the government's anti-drone surveillance measures, Jakhar claimed that Rs 53 crore had been spent on anti-drone systems without adequate accountability.
"How many drones have actually been intercepted? Where are the results?" he asked, alleging that the government was ignoring the movement of synthetic drugs from neighbouring Himachal Pradesh.
He also accused the ruling party of attempting to obstruct BJP leaders campaigning against drugs.
"Those opposing the fight against drugs are the ones whose business is threatened. They tried to stop Ravneet Singh Bittu earlier, and now they will try to oppose Amit Shah. We are determined to shut down this business," Jakhar said.
Lovepreet's sister, who accompanied Jakhar to meet the DGP, alleged that her brother died on September 15 and that police had failed to investigate the circumstances surrounding his death despite complaints sent to senior officers on September 19.
"My brother died, but no action has been taken even after a month. We provided CCTV footage and identified places where drugs are being sold, yet the police have done nothing," she alleged.
She further claimed that no post-mortem examination was conducted and that signatures were obtained from family members without a proper investigation.
"Even children are selling drugs openly. If the government claims Punjab is becoming drug-free, why is nobody taking action against those supplying drugs?" she asked.
Jakhar also targeted AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal, warning that those allegedly involved in corruption and illegal activities would eventually face action.
"All the looters will be caught. Those running around to escape accountability will not be spared. I have heard that some have already started packing their bags," he said, without naming anyone or providing evidence.
Taking another swipe at Mann, Jakhar said the Chief Minister was free to live in Paris or Australia, but should not leave Punjab to suffer.
"Celebrate wherever you want, but stop making fools of the people of Punjab. The state is in crisis, and those responsible will have to answer," he said.
The allegations against the state government and police could not be independently verified, and there was no immediate response from the Punjab government to Jakhar's remarks.
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Tags: #Jakhar slams Mann over Punjab drug crisis# says CM fled to France to avoid facing Amit Shah
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