Tarn Taran -Shiromani Akali Dal Vice President and Khadoor Sahib Constituency In-Charge, former MLA Ravinder Singh Brahmpura, today launched a scathing critique of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab government and its Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, while addressing the media in Khadoor Sahib. Brahmpura asserted that, while the youth of Punjab are succumbing daily to the devastating drug crisis, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and Arvind Kejriwal continue to engage in mere political theatrics under the pretext of a “War Against Drugs.”Expressing deep anguish over the recent surge in drug overdose deaths in Tarn Taran district, especially within his own Khadoor Sahib constituency, Brahmpura stated, “The tragic death of a 25-year-old from Varana village in Khadoor Sahib and the viral video showcasing his parents’ heartbreaking laments have shaken every Punjabi. Equally distressing are the deaths of 21-year-old Karanbir Singh of Muradpur and 30-year-old Rajinder Singh of Basarke village in Attari constituency, which starkly contradict AAP government claims of 99% of villages being drug-free.” He questioned, “If Punjab is truly becoming drug-free, why are our youth still dying? Victims’ families are openly stating that narcotics are being sold in every locality, yet police and administration are turning a blind eye.” He further challenged, “Will Chief Minister Mann, as he visited families affected by spurious liquor, extend the same support and wipe the tears of mothers losing sons to drugs? Will these grieving families receive government assistance?”
Brahmpura dismissed the so-called “Nasha Mukti Yatra” initiated by Arvind Kejriwal and Bhagwant Mann as a “political stunt.” He emphasized, “Since the AAP government took power, the drug menace has only intensified. Blaming previous governments cannot camouflage this failure.” He also labeled the recent oath-taking ceremony conducted by Cabinet Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal under the ‘War Against Drugs’ campaign in Kotla Bhalapind (Ajnala) as mere theatrics. “The Minister should first account for the drug overdose deaths within his own Ajnala constituency before administering oaths, as these actions, without substance, trivialize the seriousness of the matter,” he said.
On the alleged misuse of the Punjab government helicopter, Brahmpura remarked, “What kind of ‘common man’s government’ turns a state-funded helicopter into a personal taxi for Arvind Kejriwal and his Delhi courtiers? It is widely discussed that Kejriwal has mistaken Punjab’s yellow helicopter for his personal transport taxi. CM Bhagwant Mann has reduced Punjab to a ‘transit lounge’ for his Delhi-based superiors, bringing shame and unnecessary financial burden upon our state. The people of Punjab remember those who criticized leaders for their helicopter rides—today, those very individuals are availing official flying privileges at the taxpayers’ expense. Punjab is paying the price for this so-called ‘change’.”
Criticizing the performance of AAP MLA Manjinder Singh Lalpura from Khadoor Sahib, Brahmpura stated, “It is deeply regrettable that while local youth perish due to drugs, the MLA remains occupied with youth leadership programs and hollow claims of building a ‘drug-free Rangla Punjab.’ Such token gestures will not address the real problem. If he is genuinely committed, he must ensure strict enforcement against drug traffickers and demonstrate on-ground action, rather than offering cover to wrongdoers or simply delivering advice.”
Brahmpura categorically declared that the Aam Aadmi Party government has failed the people of Punjab, relying solely on false advertisements and unfounded claims. He reaffirmed, “The Shiromani Akali Dal will steadfastly continue to champion Punjab’s rights and voice the concerns of its people.”
He was joined on the occasion by key area personalities, including Sukhjinder Singh Ladi, Megh Singh (Press Secretary), Narinder Singh, Ranjit Singh Pappu, Gajjan Singh, Kashmir Singh, and Sarup Singh and others.