Amit Shah's Punjab Visit Sparks Political Tensions
Ahead of Amit Shah's visit on October 20, political tensions rise in Punjab as families seek justice for drug-related deaths.
Amit Shah will meet families of anti-drug activists who lost their lives.
Punjab BJP claims Shah's visit brings hope for action against drug issues.
AAP criticizes BJP's law and order record while Shah targets AAP's handling of drug problems.
Political tensions in Punjab escalated on October 19, 2026, as Union Home Minister Amit Shah prepared for his visit scheduled for October 20. During this visit, Shah is expected to meet families of individuals who lost their lives due to the drug crisis, including anti-drug activist Parminder Singh Jhotta and others linked to similar tragedies.
Kewal Singh Dhillon, the president of the Punjab BJP, emphasized the significance of Shah's visit, stating that it symbolizes hope for families affected by the drug menace. He confirmed that Shah would meet the families of Jhotta in Mansa, Gulzar Singh in Toor Banjara village, and Bikramjit Singh in Mari Panwan village, all of whom have been impacted by the state's ongoing drug issues.
In a post on social media platform 'X', Shah criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, accusing it of exacerbating Punjab's drug crisis. He claimed that the AAP's negligence has led to numerous families suffering losses, particularly those who spoke out against drug dealers operating with apparent impunity.
The AAP responded sharply, with national convenor Arvind Kejriwal questioning the BJP's credibility in managing law and order. He highlighted the BJP's failure to address crime in its own states while attempting to lecture Punjab on governance. Kejriwal's remarks underscored the political rivalry, as he referred to the BJP's alleged connections with criminal elements.
In addition to the political discourse, senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader Harsimrat Kaur Badal called for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into Jhotta's murder and urged a thorough investigation into the alleged connections between politicians and drug trafficking in Punjab. Badal's letter to Shah emphasized the need for accountability and justice for the victims of the drug crisis, reflecting the broader concerns of the public regarding safety and governance in the region.
