Chandigarh (Gurpreet Singh): Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has intensified the political battle over drug trafficking in the state, accusing the former Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP government of failing to tackle the spread of narcotics during its 2007–2017 tenure. He also praised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for taking action against senior Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia.
In a post on X, Bains alleged that the drug known as chitta became a major problem in Punjab during the previous coalition government’s decade in office. He claimed that Majithia’s political influence had discouraged people from speaking out against him at the time.
Bains presented the current government’s action against Majithia as evidence of its willingness to confront powerful political figures. His remarks come amid continued political exchanges over the drug problem and the legal proceedings involving the former minister.
₹736 Crore Claim Draws Attention to Chargesheet
Referring to the chargesheet filed against Majithia, Bains claimed that it describes alleged earnings of ₹736 crore from drug sales and the transfer of the money into bank accounts belonging to companies associated with the Akali leader.
The claim was made by Bains in his social media statement. The specific allegations and evidence must be assessed through the legal process, and a chargesheet does not amount to a judicial finding of guilt.
Majithia has remained a prominent figure in Punjab politics, and the cases involving him have become a point of confrontation between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Akali Dal.
Gujarat Emerges in Bains’ Allegations
The education minister also questioned the routes through which narcotics enter Punjab. He claimed that the supply of drugs from Pakistan had been reduced under the Mann government, while accusing Gujarat of becoming a major source of narcotics reaching the state.
Bains further alleged that Majithia and Union Home Minister Amit Shah had joined forces politically. He warned that a return of the BJP and Akali Dal to power in Punjab could weaken the ongoing campaign against drugs.
The minister did not provide independent evidence for these claims in the post cited here. The allegations regarding drug supply routes and political cooperation remain his assertions.
Mann Government’s Anti-Drug Campaign in Focus
Bains defended the state government’s campaign against narcotics, describing it as an effort being pursued despite political resistance. He urged Punjab’s residents to consider the consequences of a possible change in government for the state’s anti-drug strategy.
Drug trafficking and substance abuse have remained major public concerns in Punjab, featuring prominently in political debates and election campaigns. Parties have repeatedly faced questions over enforcement, the dismantling of supply networks and support for people affected by addiction.
Political Contest Over Narcotics Continues
The minister’s latest comments underline how the drug issue continues to shape the confrontation between Punjab’s ruling party and the opposition.
While Bains credited the Mann government with taking a tougher line against alleged offenders, the accusations against Majithia and claims about the origins of drug supplies require examination through the relevant legal and evidentiary processes.
The debate is likely to remain a significant issue in Punjab politics as parties defend their records and challenge their opponents’ approaches to combating narcotics.
