AAP slams Governor Kataria: ‘Yatra with drug patrons sends wrong message’; Watch Video
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, February 10, 2026: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab Chief Spokesperson and MLA Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal on Tuesday sharply criticized the anti-drug yatra launched by Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, alleging it sends the wrong message by aligning with leaders accused of fostering drug proliferation in the state.
Speaking at a press conference at the AAP office, Dhaliwal said, “Under the guidance of CM Bhagwant Singh Mann and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP government has been leading sustained, on-ground anti-drug campaigns across Punjab. However, the Governor’s separate yatra appears politically motivated and raises serious questions about his choice of allies.”
Highlighting concerns over the yatra’s composition, Dhaliwal pointed out that Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal and BJP leader Ashwani Sharma were participating, claiming, “A yatra with those who were in power when drugs flourished cannot inspire confidence. It seems designed to shield criminals rather than confront them.”
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Dhaliwal also recalled Punjab’s recent history, saying, “From 2007 to 2017, these political forces allowed drugs to thrive openly. Today, they share the stage with the Governor, sending a deeply troubling message to the youth of Punjab.”
He added that genuine anti-drug efforts should involve grassroots organisations and individuals who have been fighting the menace for years, not political patrons of traffickers.
“The people of Punjab can clearly see who is fighting for their future and who is siding with those who destroyed it. The AAP government will continue its decisive campaign against drugs with full commitment,” Dhaliwal affirmed.