Mann Hits Back at Amit Shah, Claims Gujarat Has Become a Major Drug Supply Hub

Mann also accused Gujarat of becoming a major source of drug supplies in the country, questioning how large consignments of narcotics could reach ports despite security and customs checks.

Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, Mann said, “The government will not be formed according to Amit Shah’s wishes. It will be formed according to the wishes of the 3.25 crore people of Punjab.”

Shah had said on Thursday that AAP would be “wiped out” in the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections and that the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) would form the next government and eliminate the state’s drug problem by 2029.

Responding to the allegations over Punjab’s drug menace, Mann claimed that the largest drug cartel in the state had flourished during the Akali Dal-BJP government’s tenure between 2007 and 2017. He also alleged that major smugglers had named senior ministers and were now discussing a compromise with them.

Mann acknowledged that drones were being used to smuggle drugs across the international border into Punjab but questioned how narcotics were reaching ports in the first place.

He referred to drug seizures reportedly worth Rs 20,000 crore in Gujarat and asked how such large quantities could enter the country despite established customs procedures and port security arrangements. Citing alleged consignments weighing around 3,000 kg, he claimed that Gujarat had emerged as a major supplier of drugs.

The Gujarat-related allegations were made by Mann during his response to Shah’s criticism of the Punjab government.

Mann criticises Opposition over Assembly protest

The Punjab Chief Minister also criticised Opposition members for protesting in the state Assembly over the killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota.

Mann accused the Opposition of disrupting proceedings and said its members should participate in the Assembly’s discussions rather than boycott them. He argued that debate, questions and answers were essential to the functioning of democracy.

Jhota, from Mansa district, was allegedly murdered for raising his voice against drug trafficking in Punjab.

During his visit to Mansa earlier this week, Shah met Jhota’s family and assured them that justice would be delivered. The meeting lasted around 20 minutes.

The exchange between Mann and Shah comes amid a political confrontation over Punjab’s drug problem and competing claims about which party can address the issue effectively.