Charanjit Channi attacks Mann Govt over drug menace, questions Mann’s ability to tackle crisis
Babushahi Bureau
Morinda, Punjab, September 21, 2026: Former Punjab Chief Minister and Punjab Congress Campaign Committee chairperson Charanjit Singh Channi on Monday criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led government over the state’s drug problem, questioning its ability and political will to tackle drug trafficking.
Addressing the issue in Morinda, Channi said it was the responsibility of those in power to make sincere efforts to curb the drug menace. He alleged that governments could not effectively tackle the problem if people linked to drug supply networks were allowed to become part of the political system.
“It’s the responsibility of the people in power to make sincere efforts to curb the drug menace. Instead, they form the government by including drug suppliers. How will they stop the drug menace?” Channi said.
He said tackling the problem required political will, the ability to take on organised drug networks and administrative capacity.
Targeting Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Channi alleged that Mann lacked the political will and administrative skills required to tackle the drug crisis.
“He cannot fight; he doesn’t have the skills. He can only work on a stage; he cannot run a state. He has failed,” Channi said.
Channi has previously criticised both the Punjab government and the Centre over the continuing drug problem, arguing that the two governments should coordinate rather than shift responsibility for the crisis onto each other.
His remarks come amid an intensified political debate over Punjab’s drug problem, with the state government highlighting its anti-drug campaign and enforcement measures, while opposition parties continue to question their effectiveness. The Punjab government’s current campaign combines enforcement against drug networks with prevention, community participation and rehabilitation measures.