Another round of face-off between Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) led State Government is expected with the state constitutional head once against raising his concerns over the escalating drug crisis in the border state, asserting that the menace worsened in the past three years.
The latest confrontation comes amidst a history of friction between the Governor and the ruling AAP over various issues, particularly the issue of drug abuse, which has long plagued Punjab.
The Governor, known for his outspoken stance on the issue of drugs, has consistently raised alarms about the rampant drug addiction gripping Punjab.
Mincing no words, the Governor reiterated his concerns during a public event in Chandigarh on Sunday. He noted with dismay the alarming surge in drug addiction across Punjab.
Indicating the pervasive nature of the problem, the Governor lamented that drugs are now being sold in every village. The Governor, who has observed the rapid increase in drug addiction during his tenure, emphasized the need for immediate action to curb this growing menace.
“This problem has intensified in the past three years…I noted this after I came here…The drugs are available in every village…Every Punjabi has to come forward to root out this menace,” he said, while, at the same time, urging the State Government to take an immediate and decisive decision.
The Governor's remarks have once again sparked tensions between the Raj Bhavan and the State Government, with political observers noting the strained relationship between Governor Purohit and the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann.
In the past also, the Governor had criticized the AAP Government for its failure to effectively address the menace, particularly during his visits to the border areas where drug trafficking remains a persistent challenge. In December also, the Governor had emphasized on forming the Anti-Drug Committees in all villages to save the youth from falling into the trap of drug peddlers.
During his Republic Day speech at Patiala, the Governor Purohit had also once again drew attention to the issue of drugs, highlighting the urgent need for concerted action to combat the scourge. His remarks underscored the gravity of the situation and underscored the imperative for proactive measures aimed at prevention, rehabilitation, and enforcement.