The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticized the Punjab government's 'war against drugs' campaign, calling it ineffective amid continued reports of youth deaths linked to substance abuse across the state. BJP Amritsar district president Harvinder Singh Sandhu expressed deep concern over recent fatalities, including deaths reported in de-addiction centres. He claimed that incidents of drug-related deaths were being reported frequently, particularly in districts such as Amritsar and Tarn Taran.
Allegations of Underreporting
Sandhu alleged underreporting of such cases, stating that several deaths had occurred over the past 72 hours, though official figures were not available. These claims could not be independently verified. He further accused the state government of presenting misleading data regarding its anti-drug campaign and alleged lapses in monitoring de-addiction centres.
Government Response Pending
The Punjab government has not yet responded to the allegations. The BJP's criticism comes amid growing concerns over drug abuse in the state, which has been a major issue for years. The party has demanded a thorough investigation into the reported deaths and better oversight of rehabilitation facilities.
Meanwhile, local residents have expressed frustration over the perceived lack of action, calling for more effective measures to combat the drug menace. The BJP's allegations are likely to intensify political debate in the state ahead of upcoming elections.
