Punjabi singer and actor Jasbir Jassi, famous for his hit song 'Dil Lai Gayi Kudi Gujarat Di', has strongly criticized the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for appointing rapper and music composer Honey Singh as a brand ambassador for its anti-drug campaign in Punjab. Jassi stated on Tuesday that the BJP either does not understand Punjab or is deliberately trying to taunt it.
Honey Singh's Role in BJP Campaign
BJP national general secretary Tarun Chugh met with Honey Singh, also known as Yo Yo Honey Singh, and posted on X about their meaningful discussions on making Punjab drug-free. Chugh shared photos of the meeting and wrote, 'If Honey Singh can make a comeback, then the youth of Punjab can also make a fresh start. Let us all come together and take a pledge to make Punjab drug-free.' In another post, Chugh and Honey Singh were seen holding glasses filled with milk or lassi, with the message urging the young generation to drink milk, yoghurt, and lassi and stay away from intoxicants.
Jasbir Jassi's Reaction
Reacting strongly to the development, Jassi posted a video on X expressing his sadness. He said he was disheartened to see people who had thrown Punjab and its youth into the darkness of drugs being presented as saviours. Jassi added, 'To me, this means one of two things: either you do not understand Punjab at all, or you are deliberately trying to taunt it. There seems to be no third possibility.'
Honey Singh's Past Struggles
Honey Singh has previously admitted in interviews that he struggled with drug addiction at the peak of his career and took years to recover. His appointment as a brand ambassador for the anti-drug campaign has sparked controversy, with critics questioning the message it sends to the youth.
About the Author
Navjeevan Gopal is a senior journalist based in Punjab with over two decades of experience. He reports on crucial issues such as drugs, crime, gangsters, terror, and security in the border state. Currently an assistant editor with The Times of India in Punjab Bureau, he previously worked for 18 years at The Indian Express. Gopal also covers Punjab's politics, focusing on the Shiromani Akali Dal and the BJP, and has extensively reported on the Sikh diaspora.
