7 days ago
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
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