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Time of India
4 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Kangana's crack at Punjab triggers political avalanche
Chandigarh: BJP MP Kangana Ranaut 's claim that drugs entering Himachal Pradesh from Punjab were fuelling a youth addiction crisis has triggered bipartisan condemnation in Punjab, with senior members of both Aam Aadmi Party and the Congress accusing the actor-turned-politician of spreading misinformation for political ends. Punjab finance minister, Harpal Singh Cheema, on Friday dismissed Ranaut's remarks as "absurd" and "irrelevant," accusing her of seeking media attention habitually with "baseless" commentary. Responding to her comments while briefing reporters on cabinet decisions, Cheema said Ranaut lacked "basic knowledge of society" and made "objectionable statements" frequently about women and social issues. Cheema cited national drug abuse data that, he said, placed Punjab lower than several BJP-run states, including Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, in terms of prevalence. "Punjab is working proactively to eliminate this menace," he claimed. He further alleged that drugs from Gujarat — Prime Minister Narendra Modi's home state — were being trafficked to other parts of the country. Kangana should survey Gujarat first, while the PM and the (Union) home minister must answer where these drugs were coming from, Cheema said. Echoing similar sentiments, senior Punjab Congress member Pargat Singh slammed Ranaut's statement as "incorrect factually" and demanded an apology. "She is tarnishing the image of Punjabis by spreading baseless and incomplete narratives. If the BJP believes in national unity truly, it must stop weaponising misinformation against Punjab and other non-BJP-run states. This is not just politics — it concerns truth, dignity, and the honour of Punjab. Pargat Singh alleged that Gujarat's ports had become "India's drug gateway", citing seizures of narcotics worth more than ₹21,000 crore, and criticised the BJP's silence on the matter, saying: "When it comes to votes, the BJP praises Punjab's sacrifices. But when it's time for accountability, we're the first to be vilified." Both politicians said Punjab were not the source of the crisis, but one of its worst victims. "Our youth are suffering. Families are breaking apart. The entire state is engaged in a daily battle," said Pargat Singh. "To blame Punjab is to insult our struggle." Ranaut made her remarks to the media outside Parliament on Friday, claiming that drugs entering Himachal via Punjab were leading young Himachalis to crime and addiction. "Our children are gullible and naïve," she said. Her comments followed a warning by HP governor Shiv Pratap Shukla, who said the state could become "Udta Punjab" within five years if urgent action was not taken. Shukla said drug cases under the NDPS Act had risen by over 340% since 2012. Quotes: 'Speak about Gujarat gateway' Punjab has taken the initiative to wipe out the menace. Kangana should go to Gujarat and survey the extent to which drugs are pushed into the country from that state Harpal Singh Cheema | FM, Punjab When it comes to votes, the BJP praises Punjab's sacrifices. But when it's time for accountability, we're the first to be vilified. Our youth are suffering. To blame Punjab is to insult our struggle Pargat Singh | Senior member, Punjab Cong MSID:: 122905285 413 |
News18
4 days ago
- Politics
- News18
BJP MP, Himachal Governor's ‘Udta Punjab' Remarks On Drugs Spark Row, AAP Reacts
Last Updated: A political clash erupted between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh after BJP MP Kangana Ranaut claimed drug addiction in Himachal is due to smuggling from Pakistan via Punjab. A fresh political slugfest broke out between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh after BJP Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut on Friday claimed that drug addiction among Himachal Pradesh youth is rising because of smuggling from Pakistan through Punjab. She echoed similar sentiments of Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla who yesterday warned that if immediate action is not taken to eradicate drug menace, Himachal Pradesh would become ' Udta Punjab" in the next five years. These remarks have drawn a strong rebuttal from Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party. What Kangana Ranaut Said? The actor-turned-politician linked the rising drug abuse in her home state to narcotics trafficking from Pakistan via Punjab, saying that it is impacting Himachal's youth and families. 'The state of drug abuse across Himachal Pradesh is dire.I agree with the Governor's 'Udta Punjab' remark as teens and children in the state are gullible and get easily involved in drugs coming from Pakistan via Punjab," she said while speaking outside Parliament as quoted by news agency PTI. Ranaut further claimed that many young Himachalis were falling victim to addiction and turning to crime. 'Our children are gullible, naïve and simple," she claimed. What Himachal Pradesh Governor Said? A day earlier on Thursday, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla echoed similar sentiments and warned that the hill state could soon become "Udta Punjab" if no immediate action is taken to eradicate the drug menace. While addressing mediapersons in Shimla, he said that the NDPS cases rose by 340 per cent from around 500 in 2012 to about 2200 in 2023, and expressed concern over the "rising" menace of substance abuse in the state. The governor emphasised the urgent need for the state government to establish a new state-of-the-art de-addiction and rehabilitation centre. There is only one rehab run by the Red Cross in Kullu and we have been hearing that land is being identified for setting up a rehabilitation centre in the Sirmaur district, but nothing is moving on ground," he said as quoted by PTI. AAP Minister's Rebuttal Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema responded to the remarks and accused the BJP MP of irresponsibility. 'The nation knows Kangana very well. She comes from the film industry, doesn't know much, and tries to pull the same stunts here. She just wants attention. The BJP should either restrain her or remove her from the party," he said as quoted by PTI. VIDEO | Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, responding to Kangana Ranaut's remark on drugs, says, 'The nation knows Kangana very well. She comes from the film industry, doesn't know much, and tries to pull the same stunts here. She just wants attention. The… — Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 25, 2025 He further questioned why Ranaut was silent on other BJP-ruled states. First Published: July 25, 2025, 19:16 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
NDTV
4 days ago
- Politics
- NDTV
Kangana Ranaut, Himachal Governor's "Udta Punjab" Remark Sparks Row
Chandigarh: A political row has erupted between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh after actor-turned-politician and BJP MP Kangana Ranaut linked the rising drug abuse in her home state to narcotics trafficking from Pakistan via Punjab. Her remarks, made while backing Himachal Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla's "Udta Punjab" warning, have drawn a rebuttal from Punjab's ruling Aam Aadmi Party. On Friday, while speaking outside Parliament during the Monsoon Session, the newly elected Mandi MP alleged that drugs were entering Himachal Pradesh through Punjab, impacting the state's youth and families. "Drugs coming to Himachal Pradesh from Pakistan via Punjab is affecting youth and families in the state," Ms Ranaut claimed. Drawing parallels with the situation in parts of Punjab that were spotlighted in the 2016 Bollywood film 'Udta Punjab', Ms Ranaut said, "The situation of drugs in Himachal is so dire that if a strict action isn't initiated soon, the state will become like some of those Punjab villages which only have windows and women now." Ms Ranaut claimed that many young Himachalis were falling victim to addiction and turning to crime. "Our children are gullible, naïve and simple," she claimed. "They are now opting for theft; they have sold their parents' jewellery, are stealing cars to fund their drug habits. Parents come to us crying. They lock themselves in rooms, break furniture, scream, and cry for help. This is worse than death for them." Her comments came a day after Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla issued a public warning that the state could become the next "Udta Punjab" if the growing drug menace was not tackled urgently. Mr Shukla said that narcotics-related cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act had surged by over 340 per cent, from around 500 cases in 2012 to approximately 2,200 in 2023. "This is not just a campaign but a mission to protect our future generations and preserve the social fabric of our communities," Mr Shukla said. "The threat is real and growing. If immediate and determined steps are not taken, Himachal could resemble Punjab's drug crisis in just five years." The governor also criticised the state's lack of rehabilitation infrastructure. "There is only one rehabilitation facility run by the Red Cross in Kullu," he said. "The government has said land has been identified for a centre in Sirmaur, but there's been no progress on the ground. The absence of state-run rehabilitation centres shows a lack of urgency." Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema accused the BJP MP of irresponsibility. "Kangana Ranaut should first conduct a survey in BJP-ruled states before blaming Punjab," Mr Cheema said. "This is not the first time she has made such absurd and baseless statements. She is habitual in speaking without evidence." Mr Cheema questioned why Ranaut was silent on other BJP-ruled states. "There is a greater drug menace in Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, and even in Himachal Pradesh than in Punjab," he said.
Indian Express
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Indian Express
Himachal Pradesh minister booked for ‘assaulting' NHAI officials: Who is Anirudh Singh?
Not a stranger to controversies, three-time Congress MLA and Himachal Pradesh Minister Anirudh Singh yet again finds himself at the centre of a row after being booked for allegedly assaulting two National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) officials over the collapse of a multi-storey house following heavy rains. On Wednesday, Singh denied the allegations and maintained that NHAI officials had lodged a complaint against him only to cover up their negligence. 'At least 700 complaints are pending against NHAI employees and officials for damaging private properties under the garb of widening roads across the state,' he said. A scion of the erstwhile princely state of Koti, till recently, Singh was considered one of the contenders for the post of state Congress chief. However, insiders said he was unlikely to helm the state unit as the party is keen to elevate a Dalit leader. The 48-year-old Singh, whom Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu wanted in his Cabinet and was given the key Rural Development and Panchayati Raj portfolio, completed his schooling in the prestigious St Edward's School in Shimla. A graduate from Himachal University, he began his political career with the Youth Congress in 1998. In 2011, he was elected Zila Parishad member from Chamyana, incidentally the place where he allegedly assaulted the NHAI officials. Chamyana falls under the Kasumpti Assembly seat that Singh has retained since winning it for the first time in 2012. Ahead of his induction into the Cabinet in 2022, Singh was appointed All India Congress Committee (AICC) secretary and was made the party's co-incharge for Assam in 2021. A political firebrand, Singh is known for making statements that appear to go against the party line. After the Sanjauli mosque row erupted last September, he vocally advocated for the rights of Himachalis on the floor of the House, 'People from one community have been living in large numbers for a long time in areas such as Nahan, Chamba, Paonta Sahib, and Kasumpti. No such incidents happened in the past. We need to find the reason why they are occurring now. New people are entering the state. Koi Jamaat wale aa rahe hain, jinka koi ata-pata nahi hai. Kya ye Rohingya musalman hai (People from a certain Muslim sect are arriving here about whom we have no information. Are these Rohingya Muslims)? I request that the respected CM verify them. I know of at least two people who are from Bangladesh. Their verification should also be done.' A Congress worker from Kasumpti said Singh could go to any extent for his constituents. 'His stand in support of Himachalis and doubts over the presence of outsiders and Bangladeshis in Shimla drew applause even from BJP MLAs,' he said, adding that the minister's remarks had struck a chord with many people across the state. Ahead of the Ram Temple consecration in Ayodhya in January 2024, Singh's nuanced political positioning was on display. Days before state PWD Minister Vikramaditya Singh went against the party line and publicly expressed interest in attending the ceremony, the minister spelt out his plans to hold a religious event in Shimla and support people from his constituency who planned to visit the temple. Even as he stressed that his participation would be finalised after consultations with party workers, Singh targeted the BJP for 'politicising a religious occasion'. According to his election affidavit, Singh has assets worth more than Rs 16 crore and four pending cases against him.
