Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has responded sharply to Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the drug problem in Punjab, bringing up the seizure of nearly 3,000 kg of heroin at Gujarat’s Mundra port and questioning the Centre’s approach to tackling narcotics trafficking.
In a pointed message in Punjabi, Mann asked Shah to consult his advisers before speaking about him. He also referred to the Border Security Force’s responsibilities along the international border and accused the Union Home Minister of blaming Punjab without adequately addressing the Centre’s own role.
The exchange adds to the political dispute between the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab and the BJP-led Centre over drug trafficking, law and order, and responsibility for preventing narcotics from entering the country.
What Did Bhagwant Mann Say About Amit Shah?
Mann’s message challenged Shah’s criticism of the Punjab government and argued that responsibility for tackling drug trafficking cannot rest with the state alone.
He referred to the BSF’s role in guarding India’s international borders and contrasted the issue of drug smuggling into Punjab with the large heroin consignment seized at Mundra port in Gujarat.
Mann also criticised Shah over social media messaging, alleging that the Union Home Minister was copying posts prepared by advisers instead of taking responsibility for the issues under his jurisdiction.
The remarks reflect the Punjab chief minister’s argument that the fight against narcotics requires scrutiny of supply routes and enforcement across the country, rather than concentrating criticism on Punjab.
What Was The 3,000-Kg Heroin Seizure At Mundra Port?
The seizure mentioned by Mann took place at Gujarat’s Mundra port in September 2021. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence recovered approximately 2,988 kg of heroin concealed in containers declared to contain semi-processed talc stones.
The consignment was among the country’s largest reported heroin seizures and triggered a major investigation into an international trafficking network.
Mann has previously referred to the case while challenging BJP criticism of Punjab’s drug problem. His argument is that the movement of narcotics through ports and other entry points must also form part of the national debate on drug trafficking.
The date is important: the Mundra seizure occurred in 2021 and is not a new recovery announced in October 2026.
Why Did Mann Refer To The BSF’s 50-Km Jurisdiction?
The BSF is responsible for guarding India’s international borders and plays a significant role in preventing infiltration and cross-border smuggling. In Punjab, the force operates along the state’s border with Pakistan.
The Union government had extended the BSF’s area of jurisdiction in Punjab from 15 km to 50 km from the international border in 2021. The move became politically contentious, with the Punjab government raising concerns about the division of powers between central forces and state police.
Mann’s latest remarks invoke this arrangement to question the Centre’s criticism of the state over narcotics. However, the expanded BSF jurisdiction does not remove the Punjab Police’s responsibility for policing, investigating offences and taking action against trafficking networks within the state.
Efforts to combat drug smuggling involve coordination among the BSF, Punjab Police, customs authorities and central investigative agencies.
Why Is The Punjab Drugs Issue Triggering A Political Clash?
Drug trafficking has remained a major political issue in Punjab, with successive governments facing demands to curb narcotics supplies and dismantle trafficking networks.
The BJP has criticised the AAP government over drug-related incidents and law-and-order concerns. Mann has countered that the Centre must also be held accountable for preventing drugs from entering India, particularly through international borders and major ports.
The latest exchange highlights the competing arguments: the Centre has questioned the Punjab government’s handling of drugs and public safety, while Mann has pointed to the responsibilities of central agencies and drug seizures outside Punjab.
The political debate is likely to remain prominent as Punjab approaches its 2027 Assembly election. The effectiveness of anti-drug enforcement, cooperation between agencies and action against trafficking networks will remain central to scrutiny of both state and central authorities.
