After another unsuccessful run to compel the SAD-BJP Government to transfer probe in the multi-crore drug racket case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), Punjab Congress on Thursday concluded its chain hunger strike on the twelfth day.

Undeterred, the State Congress has decided to further intensify its agitation to press for demand of CBI probe into drug racket, besides seeking removal of Revenue Minister Bikram Majithia from the state cabinet and his arrest.  The party has now decided to take its tirade against drugs down to the grass root level, and would hold district-level dharnas. Starting from on February 3 at Ropar, the party’s series of dharnas would conclude at Barnala on February 28 in the first phase.

The decision came after the recent meeting of the district and block level Congress committee presidents who opined to take the agitation against drug menace to grass roots level. “After consultation with the senior party leaders and to respect the sentiments of party workers, it has been decided to hold dharnas and silent march at all district headquarters,” said Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president Partap Singh Bajwa while addressing the party workers sitting on hunger strike.

Bajwa said that SAD-BJP Government was arrogant and irresponsible and showing no accountability towards people of State. “Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal is equally responsible as are Sukhbir Badal and Bikram Majithia for shielding drug mafia,” he said. The State Congress chief warned the people of Punjab that if strong actions not launched against drug mafia, Punjab would face its consequences for ages.

Maintaining that Congress was of firm opinion that there is no other alternative than CBI inquiry into the drug racket which has its roots spread to other States and countries, Bajwa made it clear that Congress would not allow Chief Minister to get away with clean chit to Majithia even before completion of probe. “Main accused Jagdish Bhola had named Majithia in front of media. When police can arrest 50 odd drug traffickers named by Bhola, why different yard stick is applied to MajithiaIJ If Majithia is innocent, why he is scared of an independent probeIJ” he questioned.