In the wake of the recent arrest of Punjab Congress MLA Sukhpal Singh Khaira in connection with an old drugs-related case, Arvind Kejriwal, the Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), conveyed on Monday that their party's primary focus is on combating the drug issue. Without specifically naming Khaira, Kejriwal urged all political parties to "boycott drug smugglers."
This statement comes against the backdrop of rising tensions between AAP and Congress leaders in Punjab, particularly concerning seat-sharing arrangements, even as both parties have joined forces in the INDIA bloc to contest against the BJP.
Addressing an AAP event in Patiala, Kejriwal emphasized, "Not long ago, a prominent individual facing allegations related to drug smuggling was apprehended. Every political party is questioning why Bhagwant Mann was arrested. We are not taking a stance against any particular leader or party; our battle is directed against the drug issue."
Kejriwal also issued an appeal to all political parties, urging them to distance themselves from individuals involved in drug smuggling. He further asserted that the AAP government in the state of Punjab will not let anyone who has exploited the state go unpunished, making a veiled reference to the previous administrations that governed the state. He stated that the state government will work towards recovering funds that have been illicitly transferred to Swiss banks, with the intention of using these resources to establish schools and hospitals.
It is worth noting that the Congress party had been in power in Punjab for five years until the AAP, led by Bhagwant Mann, came into power in 2022. Aside from the disagreements over seat-sharing in Punjab, AAP and Congress leaders are also embroiled in a dispute over the Chandigarh Lok Sabha seat. The Congress party has called on AAP to withdraw from the elections for this seat, while AAP remains confident in its prospects for victory.
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