AAP leader Baltej Pannu counters Sunil Jakhar on drugs & corruption in Punjab
Aam Aadmi Party
(AAP) leader Baltej Pannu responded sharply to BJP Punjab president Sunil Jakhar's remarks on the drug menace and corruption in the state, asserting that the AAP government is committed to tackling both issues.
Speaking at a press briefing, Pannu said the drug problem in Punjab is not new and has persisted for over two decades. "Unlike previous governments that made hollow promises, the AAP government is taking concrete action against drug traffickers and their networks," he said.
Pannu criticised the previous Congress-led government under Capt Amarinder Singh, alleging that it failed to act decisively. "During that time, only drug users were targeted, not the real culprits behind the supply chain," he claimed.
He also challenged Sunil Jakhar, who served as Punjab Congress president during Amarinder Singh's tenure, to come clean on past corruption. "Capt Amarinder once took a file to Sonia Gandhi containing names of corrupt Congress leaders and ministers. Many of those individuals are now in the BJP. If Jakhar truly believes in transparency, he should hand that file over to the Enforcement Directorate," Pannu said.
On the issue of corruption, Pannu defended the AAP government's record, stating that it has maintained a zero-tolerance policy since day one. "We have taken action against our own MLAs and ministers when necessary. No other government has shown this level of accountability," he added. Pannu concluded by questioning the track record of previous administrations. "How many corrupt leaders or officials were held accountable during the Akali-BJP or Congress regimes?" he asked.
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