Political friction over substance trafficking and border enforcement has escalated in Punjab as Aam Aadmi Party chief spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal leveled sharp accusations against both the Shiromani Akali Dal and the Bharatiya Janata Party. Outlining the current administration's stance, Dhaliwal stated that the state government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann has launched a sweeping crackdown against illicit distribution networks, leading to the arrest and imprisonment of thousands of smugglers across the state.
Call for Confrontational Interrogation Between Majithia and Jagdish Bhola
Following the summons issued by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia, Dhaliwal demanded that the probe take a decisive step. He stated that investigators must bring Bikram Majithia and Jagdish Bhola face-to-face for direct questioning to reveal the entire chain of events. According to Dhaliwal, the foundational structure of the illicit trade expanded during the Akali Dal and BJP alliance government from 2007 to 2017. He alleged that Majithia and his close network played a major role during that period, reiterating that strict legal proceedings will be pursued against everyone responsible for trafficking contraband into the state.
Rejection of Political Vendetta Claims and Action Against Officials
Dismissing allegations of political vendetta raised by the opposition, Dhaliwal maintained that the Mann government's singular goal is eradicating narcotics rather than settling political scores. He argued that if fabricated charges were the motive, such action could have been initiated much earlier, whereas the current inquiry is moving forward with complete procedural transparency. Dhaliwal emphasized that accountability will spare no one, whether high-profile politicians or disgraced senior personnel such as dismissed AIG Rajjit Singh, stating that anyone who compromised the safety of the youth will eventually face lawful punishment.
Scrutiny over Gujarat Ports and Questions for Amit Shah
Turning his focus to the central government, Dhaliwal raised objections regarding Union Home Minister Amit Shah's visit to the state. The AAP leader claimed that the BJP holds significant responsibility for nationwide distribution failures, alleging that vast quantities of contraband enter through seaports located in BJP-ruled Gujarat, specifically mentioning the Adani port facility. From there, he claimed, shipments are routed via Rajasthan directly into Punjab. Dhaliwal asserted that before addressing the issue on local platforms, central leaders must explain the continued flow of illicit consignments entering through western maritime gateways.
Border Infrastructure Demands Along the 532 km Frontier
Dhaliwal also highlighted vulnerabilities along the 532-kilometer international frontier that Punjab shares with Pakistan. Within this boundary, an area spanning roughly 50 kilometers falls under the operational jurisdiction of the central government's Border Security Force (BSF). Pointing to regular aerial incursions using unmanned aerial vehicles to drop both weaponry and contraband into Indian territory, Dhaliwal noted that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann had formally requested the central administration to deploy dedicated anti-drone detection systems and completely seal border gaps. He alleged that the central authorities have neglected these essential border security responsibilities.
