Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while addressing a rally in support of Congress' Ludhiana candidate Amrinder Singh Raja Warring, raised the issue of drug problem in Punjab and called for strict action against it. He also criticized the AAP government for not taking enough steps to address the issue. This comes a day after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also spoke about the challenges posed by drug problem in Punjab. Gandhi also took a dig at the BJP government, accusing them of threatening to change and scrap the Constitution if they win the election.
Background
The issue of drug addiction in Punjab has plagued the state for decades, with the problem reaching alarming proportions in recent years. Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, have become particularly prevalent, leading to a surge in overdoses and deaths.
Rahul Gandhi's Address
During a rally in Ludhiana on February 17, 2023, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addressed the issue of drug abuse in Punjab. He emphasized the need for strict action against drug traffickers and criticized the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government for failing to adequately address the problem.
"The drug problem in Punjab is a serious challenge," Gandhi said. "We need a strong government that will take concrete steps to eliminate this menace."
Political Accusations
Gandhi also accused the BJP-led central government of attempting to undermine the Constitution. "They are threatening to change the Constitution if they win the election," he alleged. "We will not let them do that."
Congress's Focus on Punjab
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had previously highlighted the issue of drug addiction in Punjab, stating that if his party wins the assembly elections, it will prioritize combating the drug menace.
Top 5 FAQs
1. What is the extent of drug addiction in Punjab? Punjab has one of the highest rates of drug addiction in India, with an estimated 2.3 million people abusing substances.
2. What are the main drugs used in Punjab? Synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are the primary drugs of abuse in Punjab. Heroin and other opioids are also prevalent.
3. What is the government doing to address the problem? The Punjab government has implemented various measures, including rehabilitation centers, awareness campaigns, and law enforcement actions.
4. Has the AAP government made any progress in tackling the drug menace? The AAP government has claimed to have taken steps to address the issue, but critics argue that progress has been slow and insufficient.
5. What is the role of the central government in combating drug abuse in Punjab? The central government provides financial and technical assistance to the Punjab government for drug treatment and prevention programs. It also works with international partners to combat drug trafficking.
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