Punjab Drug Crisis: 'Hardly Any Political Party Really Serious', Says Ex-DGP

A panel discussion examines the persistent drug menace in Punjab following the killing of anti-drug activist Parminder Singh in Mansa. Former Punjab DGP Shashi Kant highlighted the nexus between drug smugglers, police, bureaucracy, and politicians, stating, 'Hardly any political party in Punjab has really been serious about it.' Representatives from major political parties traded sharp allegations during the debate. Shiromani Akali Dal senior vice president Maheshinder Singh Grewal defended his party's track record, pointing to border dharnas and asserting the issue stems from an international transit corridor. Congress national spokesperson Arshpreet Khadial demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, pointing out administrative failure and questioning delayed demolitions. Meanwhile, Aam Aadmi Party national spokesperson Bikramjit Passi maintained that the present government has launched an aggressive war against narcotics, noting significant heroin seizures, high conviction rates, and the swift arrest of the Mansa activist's killer. Kant underlined that despite numerous High Court directives, lack of coordinated administrative action persists across successive regimes.