Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) General Secretary Bikram Singh Majithia launched a fresh political offensive against the Punjab government on 21 September, accusing Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's administration of failing to address an alleged drug menace in Sangrur district — Mann's own home constituency. Majithia cited three reported incidents involving residents who allegedly raised their voices against drugs or sought official help, only to be pushed to acts of desperation.

The Three Alleged Cases

In a post on X, Majithia named three individuals from Sangrur. He alleged that Mohanjit Sheron had spoken out against drug abuse, Gulzar had reportedly consumed poison, and Jagseer had allegedly consumed a poisonous substance — reportedly after his plea for official intervention went unanswered.

'In Sangrur, Mohanjit Sheron raised his voice against drugs, Gulzar consumed poison, and now Jagseer allegedly consumed a poisonous substance, hoping to awaken the Guru Dokhi government from its deep slumber,' Majithia claimed in his post. Majithia did not provide independent evidence for these allegations beyond the social media post.

Majithia Targets Bhagwant Mann on Home Turf

The SAD leader specifically highlighted that the alleged incidents occurred in Sangrur, the parliamentary constituency long associated with Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, calling it a pointed indictment of his administration. 'Sangrur, CM @BhagwantMann's home district, is witnessing people driven to desperation by the drug menace,' he said.

Majithia further alleged that drug traffickers were being shielded rather than prosecuted, saying the government 'has failed to curb drugs and protects drug traffickers' — a claim he made without providing supporting evidence in the post.

BJP Also Attacks AAP Government

The SAD broadside follows a similar attack by Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) President Kewal Singh Dhillon on the preceding Sunday. Dhillon, also posting on X, cited the same three Sangrur cases — naming them as Mohanjeet Singh from Sheron village, Gulzar Singh from a Dalit family in Tur Banjara, and Jagsir Jaga, described as a poor labourer from Namol village.

Dhillon alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, rather than acting against drug networks, was suppressing dissent. 'The AAP government, failing to curb drugs, is now focussing on silencing voices raised against drugs,' he alleged. He further claimed that Jagsir Singh had raised his voice against the alleged open sale of drugs in his village and was left so devastated by subsequent events that he consumed poison.

Broader Political Context

The twin opposition salvos reflect an intensifying political confrontation in Punjab over drug abuse — a deeply sensitive issue in the state that has loomed large over successive governments. The AAP government, which swept to power in 2022 partly on anti-drug pledges, has faced recurring opposition charges of under-delivering on that commitment. The SAD and BJP, both out of power, have increasingly coordinated their messaging on the issue ahead of the next electoral cycle.

The Punjab government has not issued a detailed public response to the specific allegations made by Majithia and Dhillon. How the administration addresses these cases — and the broader narrative around drug enforcement — is likely to remain a contested political battleground in the months ahead.