Punjab BJP Leader Criticizes Government for Blocking Marathon Amid Drug Crisis

Chandigarh, October 29 (Daily Kiran) : Senior leader of the Punjab Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Sunil Jakhar, has sharply criticized the Bhagwant Mann government for denying permission to the Arora Marathon Charitable Trust’s event. This marathon, held under the motto “Away from Drugs, Towards Sports,” has been a staple in Punjab for the past eight years. Jakhar expressed that the government’s claim of deteriorating law and order as a reason for blocking the event is a shame for the state.

Jakhar pointed out the grim reality of drug abuse in Punjab, stating that bodies are piling up from drug-related incidents along the route from Amritsar to Mansa. He attributed this crisis to the policies of Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. Since 2018, the Arora Marathon has been organized annually, with the exception of the COVID-19 pandemic. The upcoming event would have marked the seventh marathon, but the government’s refusal to grant permission highlights its failure to address the drug problem.

“This is a stain on Punjab’s reputation,” Jakhar asserted, emphasizing that the inability to conduct a sports event aimed at combating drug abuse is unacceptable. He described the dire conditions where the police are even seizing the bodies of drug victims. Jakhar recalled how, during the Kargil conflict, the remains of Pakistani infiltrators were returned with respect, contrasting it with the current situation in Punjab where the police mishandle the deceased.

He directly blamed Manish Sisodia’s policies for the protection of gangsters and drug lords, claiming that those who have spoken out against drug issues are being targeted. He also alleged that criminals serving life sentences have been granted parole and that those who have exploited women are being bribed to flee abroad.

In light of these issues, Jakhar announced plans to write to the Governor, urging the immediate implementation of a code of conduct in Punjab. He highlighted the urgency of the situation, citing a recent report of a 16-year-old boy’s death from drug overdose, echoing a similar fate suffered by his father.

Jakhar pointed out the contradiction in the government’s stance, as Chief Minister Mann claims drug abuse is not a problem while simultaneously admitting that law and order is too poor to permit sporting events. He mentioned the possibility of pursuing legal action if necessary, potentially taking the matter to higher courts.

He also raised concerns about the integrity of administrative officials who publicly support the government, stating that this undermines the impartiality that Sardar Patel envisioned for civil services. Furthermore, he revealed that a soldier assigned to an anti-drone system has admitted to involvement in heroin trafficking from Pakistan, with reports of 24 drone drops of drugs and weapons, yet no significant action has been taken.

Jakhar concluded by appealing to the Election Commission to protect the youth of Punjab from the current chaos, stressing the need to preserve democracy. He warned that any delay in enforcing a code of conduct would further endanger the younger generation of Punjab.