Archive · 27 Sep 2026
BJP urges Punjab to adopt Uttar Pradesh model against drugs
Bharatiya Janata Party leaders said Punjab is facing a serious drug problem.
They asked Punjab to use methods they said have been used in Uttar Pradesh.
These methods include identifying drug networks and taking away money and property linked to illegal drug sales.
They also mentioned strict laws against gangs and organised crime.
Brajesh Pathak blamed the Punjab government and its leaders for not doing enough.
Ajay Tamta said drugs are available in many parts of the state.
The leaders also remembered families who lost loved ones to drug abuse.
The Bharatiya Janata Party said it would keep working until Punjab is free of drugs.
Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak urged Punjab to adopt Uttar Pradesh’s strategy against drug smugglers.
Pathak cited gangster laws, property seizures and other legal measures used under the Uttar Pradesh government.
He accused Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal of failing to curb the drug network.
Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta alleged that drugs remain widely available across Punjab and blamed the Aam Aadmi Party government.
The Bharatiya Janata Party said it would continue efforts to address Punjab’s drug crisis and rehabilitate affected victims.
- Who
- Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak and Union Minister of State Ajay Tamta made the statements on behalf of the Bharatiya Janata Party.
- What
- They urged Punjab to adopt the Uttar Pradesh model to combat drug smuggling and criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government’s handling of the issue.
- When
- The statements were made on September 27, according to the report.
- Where
- Pathak spoke at a gathering in Samana, while Tamta addressed a rally in Kaunke Kalan village in Jagraon, Punjab.
- Why
- The Bharatiya Janata Party leaders said drug abuse was harming Punjab’s young people and destroying families.
BJP criticism
Punjab government’s stated position
Effectiveness of anti-drug action
BJP criticism
The Bharatiya Janata Party leaders said the Punjab government had failed to take effective action and that drugs continued to be sold openly.
Punjab government’s stated position
The Punjab government has made claims about its commitment to tackling drugs, although the report does not provide a direct response to the BJP’s allegations.
Approach to drug control
BJP criticism
The BJP called for strict enforcement, including dismantling supply chains, seizing illegal profits and using measures modelled on Uttar Pradesh’s actions against gangs.
Punjab government’s stated position
The report does not detail the Punjab government’s specific methods or response beyond its stated commitment to fighting drugs.
Election promise
BJP criticism
Ajay Tamta said Arvind Kejriwal had promised during the 2022 Assembly elections to eradicate drugs within three months and alleged that repeated deadlines had not been met.
Punjab government’s stated position
No response from Kejriwal or the Aam Aadmi Party is included in the report.
- Main proposal
- Punjab should use Uttar Pradesh’s approach against drug smugglers.
- Measures cited
- The approach includes the Gangster Act, property seizures, identifying supply networks and confiscating drug-related profits.
- Rehabilitation
- Brajesh Pathak said victims of drug abuse also need rehabilitation.
- Political criticism
- Pathak criticised Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal over the Punjab drug situation.
- Additional allegation
- Ajay Tamta alleged that drugs are available in villages, streets and neighbourhoods across Punjab.
- BJP position
- The Bharatiya Janata Party said it would continue working to eliminate Punjab’s drug problem.