PHAGWARA: The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) Punjab has announced a statewide campaign aimed at combating the drug menace and exposing what it describes as the “selfish, corrupt, and anti-people policies” of the state’s four major political parties—Congress, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
BSP Punjab President Avtar Singh Karimpuri, while addressing a selective journalists in Phagwara on Tuesday, strongly criticized these parties, blaming them for the deteriorating condition of Punjab. He claimed that their governance failures had not only exacerbated drug addiction but had also forced unemployed youth to migrate abroad in search of better opportunities.
"The four major political parties have completely failed to tackle Punjab’s drug crisis and have pushed our youth into desperation. The lack of employment opportunities and rampant corruption have forced thousands to leave the state at any cost, using all possible means, " Karimpuri stated.
Karimpuri asserted that the BSP is emerging as a strong alternative to these parties, which he accused of indulging in directionless policies that have harmed the state’s progress. He appealed to Dalit communities to rally behind the BSP, emphasizing the need for a collective effort to safeguard Punjab’s future.
Allegations Against Administration and Drug Mafia
The BSP leader also alleged that the state’s civil and police administration operates under the heavy influence of political leaders from ruling parties. He further claimed that police officials, politicians, bureaucrats, and drug mafias were working in collusion, which has allowed the illegal drug trade to flourish unchecked in Punjab.
"The nexus between police officers, politicians, and drug mafias is evident. This system must be reviewed and reformed to break the cycle of corruption and crime in the state, " he added.
Karimpuri, along with BSP leaders Parveen Banga and Harbhghan Singh Balalon, urged educationists, intellectuals, and members of civil society to join the ‘Punjab Sambhalo Rally’, which is set to take place in Phagwara on March 15. The rally aims to raise awareness about Punjab’s worsening socio-economic conditions and mobilize public support for a political change.
The BSP leader reaffirmed his party’s commitment to addressing Punjab’s critical issues, including drug addiction, unemployment, and governance failures, and called upon the people to reject the traditional parties in favor of a new, corruption-free alternative.