Speaker's Admission at Lok Milni
Punjab Assembly Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan conceded during a public interaction in Kotkapura that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government had failed to fulfill its guarantee to eradicate the drug menace from the state. Speaking at his 'Lok Milni' programme in his constituency on Saturday evening, Sandhwan said that while the government had delivered on most of its poll promises, the scourge of synthetic drugs, locally known as chitta, remained.
"Standing among mothers and sisters, I must confess that we could not fulfil our guarantee to eliminate chitta," the Speaker acknowledged, as reported by The Tribune. The Times of India quoted him as saying in Punjabi: "All the guarantees have been fulfilled, but standing in front of mothers and sisters, I wish to confess that the guarantee about drugs could not be fulfilled by us. It has not been eliminated."
Sandhwan also said that if drug abuse could not be fully eliminated in Punjab, it could not have been eliminated anywhere in the world, but insisted the government was trying its best.
No Political Protection for Peddlers
Sandhwan emphasised that no political figure, whether a local councillor, MLA, minister, or the Chief Minister, is protecting or patronising drug peddlers. "It is for sure that our councillors, MLAs, ministers, the speaker, or the CM do not support those involved in drugs," he said, according to The Times of India.
He added that the government had broken the politician-police-peddler nexus, made maximum seizures and arrests, created maximum facilities for rehabilitation, and promoted sports activities to combat the drug menace.
Proposals to Curb Bail and Public Naming
To tighten the supply chain, Sandhwan announced a proposal to curb bail for habitual offenders involved in drug peddling. He also declared plans to erect public boards at major city intersections (chowks) displaying the names of individuals who stand guarantee or post bail for arrested drug peddlers in court.
Pleas from Families
Sandhwan noted that when law enforcement arrests those involved in drug peddling, family members and relatives often approach to plead for their release, claiming they are merely addicts. Expressing displeasure, he said, as quoted by The Times of India, "We can only take them (offenders) into custody but cannot shoot them. Whenever police arrest those involved in drugs, mothers are the first to approach and request their release, claiming that their children are only addicts."
He urged families to stop seeking legal relief for offenders and to guide their children towards spiritual and community life. "People should take their children to gurdwaras or any other religious places and guide them toward spiritual practices to keep them away from drugs," he said.
Call for Realistic Approach
When contacted, Sandhwan told The Times of India, "I am trying to be realistic, as eliminating drugs is a tough job." He stressed that the battle against substance abuse cannot be won by police action alone and requires the active support of the people.
Opposition Reaction
The Speaker's admission drew sharp reactions from opposition quarters. Congress leader Babbu Brar, who is district president, said Sandhwan's public confession had exposed the failure of the state government's anti-drug campaign.
Social Activist's Concern
A social activist in Bathinda, who did not wish to be named, said that drug addiction and peddling in Punjab are rampant, with drugs being used by people in their most productive age. The activist said drugs are snatching lives in the most productive age and that the rampant use of drugs is alarming.
Historical Context
Since 2015, successive Punjab governments have promised to eradicate drug abuse from the state. The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have made similar pledges ahead of the 2027 assembly elections.