The ongoing crisis of drug trafficking and substance abuse across Punjab and Chandigarh has frequently fueled severe tension between Raj Bhavan (the Governor’s office) and the state leadership. Over recent years, successive Governors of Punjab—who also serve as the Administrators of Union Territory Chandigarh—have publicly taken aim at political inaction, police complicity, and deteriorating law and order regarding the spread of narcotics.
Key Highlights of the Governor’s Remarks
- “Drugs Sold Like Grocery Items”: Former Governor Banwarilal Purohit delivered one of the most scathing taunts to the state government, stating that during his visits to border villages, residents reported drugs being readily available like daily groceries at neighborhood general stores.
- Infiltration into Schools: The Governor highlighted that narcotics—especially synthetic drugs like Chitta—have penetrated schools, pulling young children into addiction and forcing desperate families into cycle-of-crime situations like domestic theft.
- Allegations of Political Patronage & Police Complicity: Current Governor Gulab Chand Kataria pointed out that the drug trade cannot sustain itself for decades without political patronage and the involvement of local police officers. He questioned how, despite high conviction rates under the NDPS Act, the trade continues to expand.
- Cross-Border Drone Smuggling: The Governor routinely calls out local law enforcement for failing to counter the flow of narcotics and arms dropped via Pakistani drones along the border, noting that while local police remain “unaware,” common citizens are fully aware of where drugs are being distributed.
Political Fallout and Rebuttal
- Government Response: The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)-led Punjab government has repeatedly brushed off these public reprimands as politically motivated tactics aimed at running a “parallel government”.
- Counter-Claims: State leadership routinely points to ongoing anti-drug drives, thousands of arrests, and the seizure of properties belonging to drug lords to claim that Punjab is actively moving toward becoming a drug-free state.
Current Ground Reality
Governors have shifted tactics toward direct public action—organizing foot-marches (padyatras) along international border districts (such as Tarn Taran, Ferozepur, and Fazilka) and engaging local village defense committees to build a grassroots movement against drug peddling.
