📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Press Information Bureau
Politics
Punjab CM Mann rebuts Amit Shah, says Gujarat now top drug supplier
✍️ The Hans India
🗓 23 Oct 2026, 06:51 PM
👁 14
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann countered Union Home Minister Amit Shah's remarks, alleging that Gujarat has become the leading source of narcotics in the country.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann publicly challenged Union Home Minister Amit Shah after the latter's comments on drug trafficking. Mann asserted that recent data points to Gujarat emerging as the largest supplier of narcotics across India, a claim that shifts focus from Punjab's own drug challenges.
In his statement, Mann emphasized that the issue of drug flow is a national problem requiring coordinated action, and he urged the central government to address the supply chain originating from Gujarat rather than singling out Punjab.
The exchange highlights growing tensions between state and central leaders over responsibility for curbing the narcotics trade. Both officials have called for stronger enforcement, but Mann's remarks suggest a demand for a broader, inter‑state strategy.
Analysts note that while Punjab has long battled drug abuse, recent seizures in Gujarat have increased, prompting the chief minister's pointed criticism. The dialogue underscores the political sensitivity surrounding drug control policies ahead of upcoming elections.
No official response from Amit Shah's office has been recorded at the time of reporting.
In his statement, Mann emphasized that the issue of drug flow is a national problem requiring coordinated action, and he urged the central government to address the supply chain originating from Gujarat rather than singling out Punjab.
The exchange highlights growing tensions between state and central leaders over responsibility for curbing the narcotics trade. Both officials have called for stronger enforcement, but Mann's remarks suggest a demand for a broader, inter‑state strategy.
Analysts note that while Punjab has long battled drug abuse, recent seizures in Gujarat have increased, prompting the chief minister's pointed criticism. The dialogue underscores the political sensitivity surrounding drug control policies ahead of upcoming elections.
No official response from Amit Shah's office has been recorded at the time of reporting.