Punjab BJP president Kamal Sharma’s assertion that drug trade could not flourish in the State without political patronage has created a flutter in the State political circles.
Responding quick, the Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal has asked the State party chief “to submit the list of these politicians”. On the other hand, the State Congress president Partap Singh Bajwa has asked the BJP leaders to quit the Badal Government after “corroborating Congress’ stand on the drug issue”.
“The State BJP president Kamal Sharma should have submitted the list of these politicians to me so that a strict action was taken against them,” said Badal adding that he was scheduled to meet the state BJP chief very soon during which he would ask him to provide information regarding this matter.
“If Sharma is aware of the names of politicians involved in this crime, then he must submit the list of these leaders to me so that necessary action can be taken against them,” added Badal.
Declaring a war against drugs, the Chief Minister said that anyone, howsoever affluent he was, would not be spared in this drive against the drug menace. “If the proof is found against any politician of the state involved in this crime, then he or she would be put behind bars by taking appropriate legal action against them,” Badal declared.
He added, “We will take action against every big or small fish engaged in this heinous crime and even I will not hesitate to resign from my post if any proof regarding my involvement in drugs is found.”
“The State Government is working on dual policy of checking drug peddling along with carrying out a massive program of drug de-addiction in the State to bring back drug addicted youth in the main stream.
On the other hand, Punjab Pradesh Congress Committee (PPCC) president said that his BJP counterpart, through his comments, had only corroborated what Congress has maintained all along regarding the drug racket in the state.
“Sharma had hit the nail on the head when he reportedly stated that all those whose names had been linked to the drug racket must come clean irrespective of their party affiliations…You cannot run with the hare and hunt with the hounds. BJP must draw the line and quit the coalition government,” said Bajwa.
“With the president of the alliance partner (BJP) calling a spade a spade on this sensitive issue, it is all the more necessary for Chief Minister Badal to initiate action against those from his Cabinet whose names have come up in connection with drug smuggling,” demanded Bajwa adding, “It is now not the Congress which is leveling allegations…The fact has been admitted by BJP.”
Reiterating the demand for an immediate CBI inquiry into the drug racket, Bajwa demanded that the Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia be dismissed without delay.