Punjab rivals clash over drug crisis narrative amid legal row

A senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader has alleged that Arvind Kejriwal has deliberately misconstrued a legal case involving disproportionate assets as a drug-related matter, accusing him of attempting to suppress genuine discussion about Punjab's drug menace. The accusation marks the latest flashpoint in an ongoing dispute between the Akali Dal and Kejriwal's Aam Aadmi Party over responsibility for addressing narcotics trafficking and abuse in the state. Bikram Singh Majithia, a prominent SAD voice, contended that by reframing the nature of the case, Kejriwal has sought to mislead Punjabi voters about the government's approach to combating drug-related crime. The allegation suggests both parties are competing to establish their credentials on drug policy ahead of elections, with each attempting to position the other as either complicit in or indifferent to the crisis. The drug problem has emerged as a major political issue in Punjab, with multiple parties claiming their rivals have failed to take adequate action against trafficking networks and consumption.