In a fiery denunciation today, Partap Bajwa, the Leader of the Opposition, launched a scathing attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for his failure to effectively address the alarming drug crisis, even after being in power for 17 long months.
Citing a recent report presented in the esteemed Lok Sabha, Bajwa unveiled shocking statistics that paint a grim picture of Punjab’s drug problem. According to the report, a staggering 66.70 lakh individuals in the state are currently grappling with drug addiction, with a whopping 21.36 lakh people consuming various forms of opioids. Even more distressing is the revelation that 6.97 lakh children have fallen victim to the clutches of this perilous addiction.
The Opposition Leader expressed grave concern over the situation, asserting that the figures stand as a stark testament to the Chief Minister’s inability to address the crisis effectively. Bajwa contended that while Mann’s administration has had ample time to take decisive action against the drug menace, the lack of tangible progress raises serious questions about their commitment to combat this pressing issue.
The drug epidemic in Punjab has far-reaching consequences, tearing apart families, eroding social fabric, and impeding the state’s progress. As the numbers of drug users, particularly among children, continue to surge, the urgency to take immediate action cannot be overstated.
Bajwa urged the Chief Minister and his government to acknowledge the gravity of the situation and prioritize the implementation of robust measures to curb drug abuse in the state. He called for enhanced collaboration with law enforcement agencies, bolstered rehabilitation programs, and increased community awareness initiatives.