Political Turmoil Erupts Over Drug Trade in Delhi as AAP Targets BJP

New Delhi, November 12 (Daily Kiran) : In New Delhi, a political storm is brewing over the rampant drug trade in the capital. Saurabh Bhardwaj, the Delhi state president of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has accused the BJP-led government of allowing the city to become a hub for narcotics. The situation has escalated to the point where a BJP legislator reportedly purchased heroin to present as evidence to the district magistrate.

Bhardwaj cited a media report that revealed a BJP MLA from Rohatash Nagar bought a packet of heroin to draw attention to the open drug trade. He stated that if a ruling party member has to gather evidence to show officials, it reflects poorly on law enforcement and the government’s ability to combat drug trafficking in Delhi.

Complaints about the open sale of various drugs, including heroin, marijuana, and cocaine, are pouring in from local representatives and residents. Areas such as Seelampur, Seemapuri, and Rohatash Nagar in northeast Delhi, along with Bawana, Sultanpuri, and Mangolpuri in the northwest, are reportedly heavily affected by drug-related activities.

Bhardwaj mentioned that an AAP delegation recently met with the Delhi Police Commissioner, where local MLA Kuldeep Kumar provided names of areas where drugs are sold openly. Despite this, effective measures to curb the trade have yet to be implemented. He questioned why no substantial action has taken place, given that senior police officials have been informed about the locations.

The AAP leader also expressed grave concerns about the accessibility of drugs to schoolchildren in Delhi. He claimed that many students are consuming drugs within school premises, making it increasingly challenging to manage their behavior. He warned that some children are being exploited in serious crimes, including murder and extortion, with reports of gun violence arising from failed ransom attempts.

Bhardwaj criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah, suggesting that he should focus on addressing the drug crisis in Delhi before commenting on issues in Punjab. He urged Shah to disclose what concrete steps have been taken to make the capital drug-free during his tenure.

Referencing a joint report from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment and AIIMS, Bhardwaj asserted that the number of drug users in Delhi has risen during the current government’s term. He noted an increase in users of injectable drugs and inhalants. While Shah speaks of eradicating drugs in Punjab, Bhardwaj emphasized the need to first tackle the drug trade in Delhi.

He accused the government of prioritizing surveillance on political opponents over taking effective action against drugs. In closing, he commended the BJP MLA for his initiative but underscored that the need for such drastic measures illustrates the failure of the government to combat the drug issue effectively. Bhardwaj called on the central government to take immediate action to halt the drug trade and protect the youth from this serious problem.