Cheema raises three questions for BJP
Chandigarh, September 16, 2026: Ahead of the BJP’s planned ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatras’, senior AAP leader and Cabinet Minister Harpal Singh Cheema questioned the BJP’s approach to the drug issue and raised concerns over drug trafficking, border security and Punjab’s water rights. The BJP has announced four anti-drug yatras across Punjab from September 18 to 30, covering all 117 Assembly constituencies.
Addressing a press conference with AAP Punjab Media In-charge Baltej Pannu and Kharar Halka In-charge Parminder Goldy, Cheema asked the BJP to answer three questions before undertaking the campaign. He questioned why drug consignments linked by him to Gujarat and Rajasthan were not being stopped, why Punjab was being targeted when the BSF is responsible for the international border, and what the BJP’s position is on Punjab’s water rights.
Cheema highlights Punjab government’s anti-drug measures
Cheema highlighted the Bhagwant Mann government’s ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ campaign and the deployment of anti-drone systems to counter suspected cross-border drug smuggling. He said the state government was following a two-pronged approach of taking action against drug traffickers while also providing treatment to people affected by drug addiction.
Allegations against previous SAD-BJP government
Cheema also criticised the 2007–2017 SAD-BJP government in Punjab, alleging that the drug problem expanded during that period. He referred to the emergence of the term “chitta” and made allegations regarding the misuse of government vehicles and the transfer of an Enforcement Directorate officer during drug-related investigations. These were political allegations made by Cheema and were not independently established in the statement.
Border security and Gujarat-Rajasthan issue
Cheema questioned the BJP-led Centre over security along Punjab’s international border, referring to the 55-km border belt under the BSF’s jurisdiction. He also alleged that major drug consignments recovered in the country had been linked to Gujarat and Rajasthan and urged the BJP to take action against drug networks in BJP-ruled states.
Cheema comments on Gulzar Singh case
Responding to questions about the death of Gulzar Singh, Cheema said the matter was before the court and that he would not comment extensively on the case. He said the family’s original statement was already publicly available and that people could refer to it for the facts of the matter.
