Khalistani Revival And Drug Epidemic Haunt Punjab: Harsimrat Kaur Badal Calls For Action In Lok Sabha

Shiromoni Akali Dal (SAD) MP Harsimrat Kaur Badal led a spirited criticism of Punjab's Chief Minister and AAP government in the state, during the winter session of the Parliament today.

"Drink and Drive The State"

During a discussion on drug abuse in the country, the MP recalled the complaints the House Speaker had received against the then MP Bhagwant Mann who would attend the parliament session in an inebriated state.

She noted that Mann, known for his drunken theatrics, was now the chief minister of Punjab, leading to a situation where the cautionary phrase "Don't drink and drive" has been transformed into "Drink and drive the state".

Badal's statement was met with chuckles from her fellow parliamentarians, including Home Minister Amit Shah.

She stated that before the elections, Mann had sworn on his mother's head that he would stop drinking and the AAP chief, Arvind Kejriwal, had praised him for making such a "huge sacrifice". However, during an official trip to Germany, Mann was removed from an international airline for misbehaving while drunk.

She stated that the incident brought shame to the state of Punjab and questioned how a head of state who himself struggles with alcoholism could make the state drug-free.

Increased Lawlessness in Punjab

Badal expressed concern about the lawlessness engulfing the border state, citing instances of grenade attacks on the offices of investigation agencies and noted personalities being murdered in broad daylight while the administration looks on.

She attacked the chief minister for draining Punjab's financial resources for the promotion of his party chief in ther states, even as the state's economy suffered due to financial mismanagement.

During the Gujarat elections, the entire Punjab cabinet, including the chief minister, stationed themselves for a month in the state for election campaigning.

Significance of Badal's Attack

Badal's attack on the AAP in Punjab is significant considering the volatile situation the state finds itself in. Not only does the state share its border with Pakistan, it has also suffered separatist insurgencies and terrorism emanating from across the border. Once again, there is an attempt to revive the Khalistani movement that played havoc with the lives of the people.

Not only has the current government failed to address the drug problem in Punjab, but there are also concerns about its closeness to sympathisers of Khalistani separatists.

Is the Modi Government Listening?

Badal appealed to the Chair to take note of the deteriorating situation in Punjab that has 'the potential to erupt like a burning volcano' and engulf rest of the country along with it. Through her speech, she seemed to be urging the Modi government to take note of the present crisis.

The issues raised by the Akali leader are likely to resonate with the BJP high command. In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has expressed his concern for the people of the state, particularly from a national security perspective.

Badal's impassioned speech may cause the two sides to consider aligning once again in order to prevent Punjab from descending into a period marked by terror, communal tensions, and anarchy.