A political exchange has erupted between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and Congress over the alleged supply of pharmaceutical drugs being misused as intoxicants in Punjab. AAP leader Anurag Dhanda targeted Congress and its leadership, alleging that drug supplies were reaching Punjab from Himachal Pradesh, where the Congress is in power.
In a post on X, Dhanda referred to a statement by Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh and asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to respond. He questioned how the Congress government in Himachal Pradesh was addressing concerns surrounding the manufacture and supply of pharmaceutical drugs allegedly being misused as intoxicants.
AAP Anurag Dhanda Accuses Congress of Ignoring Drug Supply Concerns
AAP Punjab also criticised Congress, alleging that pharmaceutical drugs were being manufactured in Himachal Pradesh and supplied to Punjab. The party accused the Congress government of failing to prevent the alleged supply while the Punjab government continued its anti-drug campaign.
The party described the issue as a serious concern for Punjab’s youth and called for accountability from the Congress leadership. Dhanda’s remarks added to the ongoing political debate over the sources of pharmaceutical drugs entering Punjab and the responsibility of governments in tackling their misuse.
Pargat Singh Raises Questions Over Drug Manufacturing and Supply
The controversy follows remarks by Pargat Singh, who referred to the Centre-approved Medical Device Park in Himachal Pradesh and the proposed Bulk Drug Parks in Himachal Pradesh and Gujarat. He pointed out that the Centre had approved financial assistance of ₹1,000 crore each for the two bulk drug park projects.
However, Singh also questioned AAP over the alleged illegal sale of pharmaceutical capsules in Punjab, particularly Pregabalin, and demanded accountability for their misuse. He argued that the issue of pharmaceutical drug abuse also required attention in other states and questioned the way his earlier remarks were being presented by AAP.
