Chandigarh: Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh on Tuesday questioned the BJP-led Central govt and Union home minister Amit Shah over what he called the growing drug trade across the country, the illegal sale of pharmaceutical drugs, and the destruction of the younger generation as a result of this menace. “BJP has been in power at the Centre for the past 13 years, with Amit Shah serving as the Union home minister. Under these circumstances, neither the Central govt nor the home minister can evade responsibility for the spread of the drug trade across Punjab and other states,” he said in Jalandhar while talking to the media. He questioned whether the drug problem in Punjab had continued to worsen over the past 13 years without the Union home minister being aware of the situation. “If he was fully aware of the ground realities, what concrete steps had the Central govt taken to curb this menace?” Singh asked.He said, “Merely raising slogans about a ‘Drug-Free India’ and making grand announcements would not eliminate the drug trade.” An effective strategy, strict enforcement, and clear accountability between the Central and state govts are essential to tackle this crisis, he added. The Punjab Congress chief further said, “The drug menace is not merely an issue of law and order in Punjab. Central agencies have a crucial role to play in curbing drug trafficking, cross-border supplies, major drug networks, and the illegal pharmaceutical drug trade.”He urged the Central govt to “make public a comprehensive account of the measures taken against the drug trade and the results achieved so far.” He also called for time-bound and effective action to dismantle the entire drug supply chain. “The future of Punjab’s younger generation cannot be secured through political accusations and counter-accusations; it requires accountability, strong action, and the dismantling of the entire drug network,” he added.
