‘Now elections have come, you’re worried about Punjab’: CM Bhagwant Mann hits back at Amit Shah over drug…

CHANDIGARH: Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday targeted Union home minister Amit Shah, questioning his concern over the state ahead of elections and accusing him of not taking action when drug abuse increased in Punjab."Now that the elections have come, you are worried about Punjab," Mann said.“From 2007 to 2017, you had a government with the Akali Dal in Punjab. When the intoxication boomed, and the quantity of drugs increased, why didn't you worry about saving Punjab?

Why didn't you take any action?” Mann asked. He also raised the issue of anti-drone systems along the border with Pakistan, news agency ANI reported.“I have held many meetings with you.

Bring the anti-drone system. There is a 500-kilometre border with Pakistan.

You don't let us bring it,” he said. The Punjab chief minister reiterated his criticism, saying, “Now that the elections have come, you are worried about Punjab,” and added, “The people of Punjab understand everything.

The people of Punjab are very sensible.”Mann also said the state's campaign against drugs would continue.“I would like to say again that the war on drugs campaign will continue. We will make sure that it continues,” he said.“You can come here, but don't do politics here,” he added.

Earlier on Tuesday, Shah set December 31, 2029, as the deadline to eradicate the illicit narcotics network from Punjab. He asserted that the central government would track down and prosecute all those involved in the killings of anti-drug activists in the state, ANI reported.

Addressing a gathering at a Vijayadashami event in Ludhiana, Shah said, "On Vijayadashami, a firm commitment to justice and a drug-free Punjab. Once the CBI takes over the investigation, no matter how influential those involved in these murders may be, they will be tracked down and brought to justice.”“The resolve is clear: by 31 December 2029, Punjab will be free from the drug trade.

We are committed to building a Nasha Mukt Punjab," Shah added.(With agency inputs)You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Chandigarh | Silver Rate in Chandigarh | Bank Holidays in Chandigarh | Public Holidays in Chandigarh | Chandigarh AQI | Weather in Chandigarh | Petrol Price in Chandigarh | Diesel Price in Chandigarh | CNG Price in Chandigarh | LPG Price in Chandigarh Stay updated with the latest Chandigarh news.

Key quotes

• “Now that the elections have come, you are worried about Punjab,”

• “From 2007 to 2017, you had a government with the Akali Dal in Punjab. When the intoxication boomed, and the quantity of drugs increased, why didn't you worry about saving Punjab? Why didn't you take any action?”

• “I have held many meetings with you. Bring the anti-drone system. There is a 500-kilometre border with Pakistan. You don't let us bring it,”

• “The people of Punjab understand everything. The people of Punjab are very sensible.”

• “I would like to say again that the war on drugs campaign will continue. We will make sure that it continues,”

• “You can come here, but don't do politics here,”

• “On Vijayadashami, a firm commitment to justice and a drug-free Punjab. Once the CBI takes over the investigation, no matter how influential those involved in these murders may be, they will be tracked down and brought to justice.”

• “The resolve is clear: by 31 December 2029, Punjab will be free from the drug trade. We are committed to building a Nasha Mukt Punjab,”