‘Who is protecting drug networks?’ Amit Shah alleges political patronage in Punjab; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Ludhiana (Punjab), October 20, 2026: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday accused the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab of allowing the drug menace to persist, alleging that narcotics could not reach the state’s youth without political patronage. He also promised strict action against those involved in drug trafficking, irrespective of their influence or position.
Addressing the issue during his visit to Punjab, Shah challenged the AAP government’s criticism of drug seizures at ports in Gujarat and Maharashtra, saying narcotics worth ₹20,000 crore had been seized from the two states.
“If drugs are seized at ports and then broken down into smaller packets, how do they reach Punjab? How do these packets reach the youth of Punjab? Is this possible without political patronage? No, it is absolutely impossible,” Shah said, accusing the state government of deflecting responsibility by targeting the BJP-led Centre.
The Home Minister’s remarks intensified the political confrontation between the BJP and the AAP over responsibility for Punjab’s drug crisis, with both sides questioning the other’s record in tackling narcotics trafficking.
Shah promises action in CBI case
Shah also referred to Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s decision to transfer a case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), saying the move was a positive step.
“Whoever the accused may be, no matter how powerful, we will hunt them down, even from the depths of the earth, and bring them to justice. We will take the matter to court,” Shah said, assuring the people of Punjab that the investigation would be pursued.
The CBI decision came amid demands for an impartial investigation into incidents involving people who had opposed the drug trade. The cases have triggered political criticism over the safety of anti-drug activists and the state’s law-and-order situation.
Drug menace becomes political flashpoint
Shah’s visit comes amid mounting political tensions over the deaths of three men in incidents linked to opposition to drugs in Punjab. The Home Minister met or was scheduled to meet the families of Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, Gulzar Singh in Sangrur and Bikramjit Singh in Gurdaspur as part of his visit.
The BJP has accused the AAP government of failing to curb the drug trade and protect those who speak against drug peddlers. The AAP, meanwhile, has questioned the Centre’s efforts to stop narcotics from entering India through ports in Gujarat and has raised concerns about the Centre’s responsibility for border security.
The competing allegations have brought the question of political accountability for Punjab’s drug crisis to the centre of the state’s political debate ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
Shah’s central message was that the drug supply chain must be traced beyond individual seizures and that those providing protection to traffickers, if established by investigation, should also face legal action.