BJP's Kewal Singh Dhillon claims Punjab Assembly report exposes failure of AAP's anti-drug campaign
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, August 7, 2026: Punjab BJP President Kewal Singh Dhillon on Friday claimed that the report of the Punjab Vidhan Sabha Committee on the state's drug situation has exposed the failure of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government's "War Against Drugs" campaign.
In a statement, Dhillon said the report's findings that over 65 per cent of Punjab's youth are affected by drug abuse should serve as a serious warning for the state's future. He alleged that the report contradicts the government's claims of creating a "Drug-Free Punjab."
Citing the committee's observations, the BJP leader said the 18–35 age group has been the worst affected by substance abuse. He also claimed that the consumption of de-addiction medicines such as Buprenorphine has increased by 57 per cent over the past four years, while government hospitals continue to face a shortage of beds for addiction treatment.
Dhillon recalled that AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal had promised to eradicate drugs within three months of the party forming the government in Punjab. He alleged that four-and-a-half years later, the situation has worsened and the government's anti-drug campaign has failed to deliver results on the ground.
He further questioned the reported increase in the use of de-addiction medicines, claiming that if drug abuse had declined, the demand for such medication would not have risen significantly. He alleged that the government was relying on publicity instead of addressing the root causes of the drug menace.
The BJP leader said the fight against drugs requires dismantling the drug supply network, taking strict action against major traffickers without political interference, and implementing a time-bound policy for treatment, counselling and rehabilitation of affected youth.
No immediate response was available from the Punjab Government on Dhillon's allegations.