AAP tells Rahul Gandhi to ‘get party in order’ over Punjab drug drive remarks

NEW DELHI: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) on Thursday launched a sharp attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, urging him to "get his own party in order" following his criticism of the Punjab government’s anti-drug drive. The exchange escalated after Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh defended the protesters and questioned the state administration’s handling of a statewide bandh triggered by the murder of an anti-drug activist.

The political row erupted after anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhota was allegedly shot by a medical shop owner in Mansa and later succumbed to his injuries. The incident sparked widespread outrage, leading to a statewide shutdown on Thursday as various organisations demanded accountability over the law-and-order situation.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led government in the wake of the killing, stating that raising a voice against drug abuse in Punjab had become "a death sentence". In response, the AAP accused the Congress leadership of double standards and alleged that senior state leaders were undermining enforcement measures to shield suspects.

Taking to X, the AAP directly questioned Gandhi’s stance, writing, "Rahul Gandhi Ji, in Punjab, the Mann government is taking strict action against drug traffickers, but your own state president Paragat Singh is standing in support of the drug traffickers. Can't you see this, or are you deliberately turning a blind eye?". The party further challenged the Congress to clarify its position, adding, "Before lecturing on the issue of drugs in Punjab, get your own party in order. At least ask your president whether he stands with the action against drugs or with the drug traffickers?".

Meanwhile, Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh criticised the authorities’ response to the bandh. In a post on X, he stated, "Today, Punjab is back on the streets against drugs. The Punjab bandh is not just a protest, but a clear declaration of the trust that has been shattered by the government and police administration." He alleged that peaceful protesters were being arrested in Jalandhar, terming the action "absolutely unacceptable in a democracy," and warned Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Punjab Police chief Gaurav Yadav against suppressing protesters.

On the ground, law enforcement agencies made progress in the investigation. The Punjab Police, in a joint operation with the Rajasthan Police, arrested the alleged main shooter, identified as Asvini, from Salasar in Rajasthan on Wednesday. According to Salasar Station House Officer Shankar Lal Bhari, the accused was apprehended from a dharamshala near the Salasar Balaji Temple, where he was hiding in disguise. Hours after the arrest, the district administration demolished the accused’s residence amid heavy security deployment.

The clash between the AAP and the Congress highlights the growing political friction in Punjab as the state government intensifies its crackdown on drug syndicates. While the ruling party defends its stringent measures as necessary to eradicate the menace, the opposition continues to raise concerns over due process and the safety of activists, setting the stage for a prolonged political battle over the state's law-and-order apparatus.