Arvind Kejriwal, the national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), claimed on Saturday that 70% of the drugs entering Punjab are currently originating from Gujarat. He alleged that under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Gujarat has become a gateway for narcotics, referring to the BJP as the 'ED Party'. Kejriwal also labeled gangster Lawrence Bishnoi as 'ED Party ka damaad', insinuating that the central government is shielding him.
Remarks at Sarkar Vyapaar Milni
Kejriwal made these statements during the 'Sarkar Vyapaar Milni' event, addressing traders at the Rajeshwari Satya Auditorium in Apeejay School, Jalandhar. He criticized the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), BJP, and Congress, stating that Punjab has four political entities: the 'Chitta Party' or 'Beadbi Party' (SAD), the 'ED Party' (BJP), the 'Jhagda Party' (Congress), and AAP. He asserted that while the other three parties have tarnished reputations, only AAP can safeguard the interests of the people and traders. Kejriwal accused successive governments of fostering the drug and gangster ecosystem in the state.
Allegations Against BJP
Kejriwal accused the BJP of targeting traders through Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids. He claimed that last year, the 'ED Party' collected Rs 60 crore in donations from Punjab, while AAP received only Rs 70 lakh. 'The government is ours. BJP has only 2 seats. But the 'ED Party' received large amounts from industrialists. How? Through the threat of ED raids. Whoever didn’t pay was raided,' he said.
He further alleged that the alliance between the 'ED Party' and 'Chitta Party' brought drugs into people's homes. However, under the AAP government, strict action is being taken, and bulldozers are razing properties of drug smugglers.
Drug Trafficking from Gujarat
Kejriwal claimed, '70% of drugs and chitta coming to Punjab is from Gujarat. Gujarat has become the gateway for drugs under the ED Party. When AAP formed the government in Punjab, 70% of drugs came from Pakistan and 30% from Gujarat. We took decisive action and curbed most of the drugs coming from Pakistan through policing and anti-drone measures.' To support his claims, he cited the seizure of 3,000 kg of drugs at Mundra Airport worth Rs 21,000 crore and a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) report stating that 2,200 kg of drugs were 'eaten by rats' in Gujarat.
Four Parties in Punjab
Kejriwal outlined four parties in Punjab: the 'Chitta Party' (SAD), which brought chitta to homes and is viewed with hatred over sacrilege incidents; the 'ED Party' (BJP), which misuses the ED to extort traders; the 'Jhagda Party' (Congress), whose leaders fight and do nothing worthwhile; and AAP, the people's party.
Lawrence Bishnoi and Gangster Ecosystem
Taking on the BJP over law and order, Kejriwal said, 'Almost all state gangsters are henchmen, associates, kin, or relatives of leaders of former parties. But AAP is cleaning out gangsters. For the first time, AAP deported 7 gangsters from 7 countries. Only one remains — Lawrence Bishnoi. He’s sitting in Sabarmati Jail. He’s the 'damaad' of the 'ED Party' and is being protected by them. Bishnoi has spread chaos. But the Ministry of Home Affairs has passed an order that no one can take him out of Sabarmati Jail. So while Bishnoi allegedly runs activities across the world from inside the jail, even the Punjab Police can’t bring him to the state. They have to interrogate him there. He has all facilities. The gangster ecosystem remaining in Punjab is due to the 'ED Party'.'
CM Bhagwant Mann's Remarks
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann reiterated Kejriwal's remarks, telling traders that former parties, especially the Akalis, had extorted money heavily from traders, making them scared of success. Mann said successive governments nurtured criminal elements and now make noise when the AAP government takes stern action against them. He assured the 500-600 traders present that their demand letters would be collected and their problems addressed.
Event Attendance
Apart from CM Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal, the event was attended by AAP Punjab Affairs in-charge Manish Sisodia, state president Aman Arora, Cabinet Minister Harpal Cheema, other ministers, MLAs, and functionaries of the trade wing. Large hoardings and cut-outs of CM Mann, Kejriwal, and party leader Deepak Bali were placed across the city ahead of the twin meetings. After the 'Vyapaar Milni', AAP also hosted a religious evening titled 'Ek Shaam Bhagwan Shiv Ke Naam'.
