# BJP Targets Punjab Drug Crisis to Challenge AAP Ahead of 2027 Opposition parties leverage rising drug-related violence to undermine the Bhagwant Mann government's credibility. - **Source:** [NDTV – India](https://www.ndtv.com/india) - **Published:** 2026-11-09 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/cfbcc75c-3691-4900-a1c9-62d1317a40f0 ## Political Weaponization of Drugs The BJP is strategically utilizing the persistent drug menace in Punjab as a primary tool to challenge the ruling Aam Aadmi Party. Ahead of the 2027 assembly elections, the opposition aims to frame the issue as a failure of governance, law and order, and public safety under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. ## Recent Violence Sparks Outrage Two violent incidents have intensified public scrutiny of the administration. In Barnala, an anti-drug committee member was shot at his residence, while activist Parvinder Singh Jhota was killed in Mansa on October 13. These attacks highlight the severe risks faced by citizens attempting to challenge local drug networks without adequate state protection. ## Gap in Government Promises A public confrontation in Lallbai village exposed the disconnect between official anti-drug assurances and ground realities. When a resident challenged Agriculture Minister Gurmeet Singh Khuddian regarding open drug sales, the subsequent removal of the woman by police raised questions about the government's commitment to protecting whistleblowers and ensuring transparent police accountability. ## BJP's Independent Electoral Ambition The BJP is attempting to establish itself as an independent political force after years of alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal. Although its vote share rose from 6.6 percent in 2022 to 18.56 percent in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, the party failed to secure a single parliamentary seat in the state. ## Amit Shah's Strategic Intervention Home Minister Amit Shah recently visited Punjab to meet the family of the slain activist Parvinder Singh Jhota. He defended large-scale drug seizures at ports in Gujarat and Maharashtra while challenging the state leadership to eliminate the drug trade by December 31, 2029, rather than engaging in ongoing political blame games. ## AAP's Defensive Counter-Strategy The AAP government defends its record through the 'Yudh Nashian Virudh' campaign, emphasizing police action and community-led anti-drug committees. However, the party faces pressure to explain why drugs remain accessible at the village level and how it intends to protect citizens who report trafficking networks from violent retaliation by criminal elements. ## The Supply Chain Debate A central point of contention is the origin of narcotics. AAP argues that the Centre must address cross-border smuggling and port security, while the BJP insists that local distribution networks require state-level intervention. This political balancing act forces both parties to defend their respective jurisdictions regarding the wider international and domestic supply chain. ## Congress and Akali Dal Positions The Congress party is leveraging the recent violence to question the government's law and order performance, specifically citing the CBI investigation into Jhota's murder. Simultaneously, the Shiromani Akali Dal is attempting to reclaim the anti-drug narrative through its 'Maawan-Dheeyan Insaaf' initiative, despite facing criticism for its own past governance record. ## Credibility Challenges for BJP Political analyst Manjit Singh notes that the BJP faces a significant credibility hurdle in rural Punjab. To succeed, the party must move beyond political rhetoric and present a concrete blueprint that includes rehabilitation facilities and youth employment programs, rather than relying solely on dissatisfaction with the current ruling party's performance. ## Broader Socio-Economic Context The drug crisis in Punjab is deeply intertwined with unemployment, social vulnerability, and organized crime. Experts argue that effective solutions require more than just arrests under the NDPS Act; they necessitate a comprehensive approach that addresses the lack of reintegration facilities and the underlying economic desperation driving youth toward substance abuse. ## Emergence of New Voices Women are becoming increasingly vocal stakeholders in the anti-drug movement, as addiction disproportionately impacts family stability. Initiatives like the 'Maawan-Dheeyan Insaaf' campaign reflect this shift, as families demand accountability from political leaders. This grassroots mobilization is forcing all major political parties to address the human cost of the ongoing drug epidemic. ## Future Electoral Implications The 2027 assembly elections will serve as a referendum on the AAP's promise of change. If the government fails to demonstrate tangible improvements in public safety and drug eradication, the opposition's focus on these issues could prove decisive. Success for any party will depend on their ability to offer credible, long-term solutions. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/analysis-politics-of-drugs-bjp-looks-to-turn-punjab-aaps-biggest-challenge-into-electoral-gains-12302076#publisher=newsstand — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._