Centre must stop exploiting Punjab drug crisis for politics: AAP minister

Punjab's Public Health Minister Harpal Cheema has criticized the Centre's handling of the state's persistent drug problem, accusing federal officials of prioritizing political messaging over substantive action. The rebuke came as Union Home Minister Amit Shah visited Punjab to meet with families of drug crisis victims and blamed the Aam Aadmi Party government for failing to deliver on its pre-election commitment to eradicate the drug trade within three months of taking office.

Chema's statement reflects growing friction between the state and central governments over responsibility for tackling the widespread narcotics trafficking that has plagued Punjab for years. Shah's visit and remarks appear intended to hold the AAP administration accountable for the persistent drug menace, highlighting the gap between campaign promises and ground reality.

The drug crisis in Punjab has claimed numerous lives and created significant social disruption across the state. While the AAP government came to power with pledges to eliminate the trade rapidly, experts and officials have acknowledged that addressing the complex issue of narcotics smuggling and consumption requires sustained, multifaceted efforts beyond what can be achieved in a few months.

The dispute underscores how the drug issue has become entangled in Punjab's political landscape, with both state and federal authorities trading accusations over their respective roles and effectiveness in combating the crisis. Anti-narcotics agencies at both state and central levels have launched operations, though their impact on stemming the flow of drugs remains contested.