Cong maligning state’s image: SAD

Anirudh Gupta and Praful Chander Nagpal

 Ferozepur/fazilka, January 5

Akali Dal leaders held a dharna at Bareke near Hussainiwala today. They slammed the Congress for “brandishing Punjab as a hub of drug trade”. They demanded that the Election Commission should make dope test mandatory for all sitting MLAs/ MPs, besides those wishing to contest elections.

Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Badal could notcould not make it to the Ferozepur and Fazilka rallies.

The Akali leaders refrained from launching a direct assault on the BSF. They, however, demanded that stringent measures be adopted along Zero Line to prevent the flow of drugs from across the border. Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa, SAD general secretary, said the protest was not against the BSF but was aimed at bringing forth the Congress conspiracy to malign Punjab’s image.

“We are here to boost the morale of BSF personnel to make them more proactive to defeat the designs of anti-national forces,” said Cabinet Minister Janmeja Singh Sekhon. He said there were chinks in the security along Zero Line which needed to be plugged. The leaders criticised the Congress for allegedly portraying Punjabi youths as drug addicts.

Prem SinghChandumajra, MP, demanded a dope test on all politicians. Cabinet Minister Tota Singh said committees would be constituted at the village level to counsel the youths on the ill-effects of drugs. Mahesh Inder Singh Grewal, adviser to the CM, said it was owing to the SADgovernment’s drive that a large quantity of drugs had been seized along the border.

Also present at the dharna were Cabinet Ministers Surjit Singh Rakhra, Parminder Singh Dhindsa and Sharanjit Singh Dhillon, former MP Paramjit Kaur Gulshan, former minister Hira Singh Gabria and MLAs Prakash Chand Garg, Manpreet Singh Ayali, Joginder Singh and Darshan Singh Shivalik.

In Fazilka, the SAD held its rally at Government MR College. Balwinder Singh Bhunder, MP, alleged that poppy husk and cannabis from Rajasthan, MP, Maharashtra and Himachal were being smuggled into Punjab. “Deadly narcotics are coming from across the border while synthetic drugs are produced in pharma units based in Himachal Pradesh,” he alleged.

Cabinet Minister Sikander Singh Maluka said the objective of the rally was to apprise the people of the nefarious designs of the Opposition parties to bring a bad name to Punjabis. Others present at the rally were Sher Singh Ghubaya, MP, and Chief Parliamentary Secretary Swaroop Chand Singla.

Discordant note at Attari
Gharinda: Akali leader and Khadoor Sahib MP RS Brahmpura struck a discordant note. Addressing a rally at Attari, he said one should admit that Punjab was facing the problem of drug addiction. He said acknowledging the problem and addressing it would be the right thing to do. “We should not shower praise on anyone. The rally’s objective is to spread awareness on drug abuse and not indulge in any blame game or eulogise any leader,” he said.

He was referring to the praise heaped by speakers on SAD president Sukhbir Badal. Brahmpura did not blame the BSF, BJP or Congress for the malaise. He said he had taken up the issue with the Centre  when Manmohan Singh was the PM and now with Narendra Modi. Brahmpura exhorted people to undertake a pledge that they would inform the police about anybody involved in the drug trade. — Jupinderjit Singh

Diehard supporters
Barely able to walk, Dilip Singh (80), a Taksali Akali, attended the SAD rally at Attari in the hope of meeting the Chief Minister or his son. To keep away the chill, bread pakoras and popcorn with tea were served to the people who sat huddled together on the cold brick-laned floor of the local grain market.  A diehard Akali supporter, Dalip Singh mistook it to be yet another Akali morcha. " Earlier, opium was easily available. It was not a dangerous drug. The government banned it and the youth took to other intoxicants. Now, youngsters are hooked on white powder. They take to crime to pay for it. I want all this to end," he said.  Jagdev Singh of Dari Ke village kept collecting placards and sticks. "These will make a nice bonfire," he grinned. "My village sarpanch said he would help me construct a room in my house," he explained when asked why he was at the rally.   Baldev Singh from Boparai village was doubtful if the rally would help spread awareness on drugs. "The government can wean the youth away from drugs with jobs," he said.   Baldev Singh, a retired JE, said Punjab was being defamed. "Our leaders have taken the right step. We are here to support them," he said.

About Bhola and Bholi
Speaking at the Attari rally, Bikram Majithia, Revenue Minister, said he was deeply hurt by allegations that he had links with drug smugglers. " I have been through so much that I may now be considered a PhD in drugs," he said, provoking laughter. He said Punjab had suffered at the hands of Bhola and Bholi. While Bhola is behind bars for supplying drugs , Bholi is the state Congress president Partap Singh Bajwa's nickname. He alleged that the latter's family was involved in drug smuggling in the past.

No toll tax
The toll tax booth ahead of the Gharinda police station became a thoroughfare. No employee at the toll booth stopped vehicles carrying participants in the rally.

Cold comfort
A large number of placards were found scattered on the ground. These were later picked by the poor to keep them warm by burning the paper.

Top gear
The SAD hired private buses and school vans to ferry supporters. A number of buses were seen parked near  the venue with supporters, carrying placards, atop. Nihangs were seen brandishing swords, that were sheathed, during sloganeering.

Swanky cars
Swanky high-end SUVs, especially the Toyata Fortuner, were lined up at the VIP parking near the stage. All these vehicles were owned by Akali leaders.