Political Controversy Over State-Wide Survey Intensifies

The political landscape in Punjab has turned turbulent following mounting questions over the state's ambitious drug census. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and former state party president Sunil Jakhar has launched a scathing attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, demanding immediate public disclosure of the survey's findings and questioning an alleged expenditure of Rs 250 crore on the initiative.

According to the BJP, while the state Budget had initially allocated Rs 150 crore for the exercise, the actual spending has ballooned to nearly Rs 250 crore of public money. Jakhar accused the administration of keeping the comprehensive data under wraps, casting doubt on the transparency and ultimate objective of the massive state-wide undertaking.

Understanding the Punjab Drug Census

Initiated on May 5, the extensive drug census was designed to map the true magnitude of substance abuse across the state. The project aimed to canvas approximately 65 lakh households, deploying nearly 28,000 government personnel, including teachers, contractual staff, and computer operators.

Field workers were equipped with detailed questionnaires intended to capture ground-level data regarding: - Household drug consumption patterns - Availability and distribution of narcotics in specific localities - The severity of local addiction crises and accessibility to de-addiction infrastructure - Public perception and impact of ongoing anti-drug campaigns

Despite the scale of the operation—which surveyed millions of households—the absence of an officially released, detailed report has fueled skepticism among political opponents and civil society regarding the methodology, outcomes, and financial accountability of the exercise.

Opposition Alleges Hidden Motives and Demands Central Probe

Addressing a press conference in Chandigarh, Jakhar questioned whether the primary intent behind the census was genuinely to eradicate the narcotics menace or if it served an alternative agenda regarding the supply chain. He further alleged that top AAP leadership, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, directed the initiative.

Highlighting concerns over pharmaceutical drugs fueling the crisis, Jakhar pointed to prior observations made by state law enforcement officials regarding synthetic and medical narcotics. Citing potential administrative and political complicity, the BJP leader confirmed he has formally written to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, pressing for a thorough Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and National Investigation Agency (NIA) probe into suspected drug and gangster networks operating within the state.

Government Defends Initiative

In response to the mounting political pressure, the AAP government has vehemently rejected the allegations. State officials maintained that the extensive data gathered during the census is currently undergoing rigorous analysis by designated departments. The administration assured that the findings and subsequent targeted interventions will be officially released to the public at an appropriate time.