‘Punjab Govt being targeted: CM Mann hits back at Congress, SAD over drugs, gangsters; Watch Video
Punjab CM claims 60% of country’s NDPS recoveries are from Punjab; cites 1,777 gangster arrests
Babushahi Bureau
Chandigarh, September 14, 2026: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Monday launched a sharp political attack on the Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal over the issue of gangsters, accusing the two parties of having “nurtured” criminals while questioning their criticism of the state government’s law-and-order record.
Mann made the remarks while highlighting his government’s action against drugs and organised crime. He claimed that around 60 per cent of NDPS recoveries in the country are from Punjab, while 1,777 people allegedly involved in gangster-related activities and crimes have been arrested in a short period.
“Whenever I hear the Akali Dal and Congress talk about gangsters, I laugh because they had nurtured them,” Mann said, taking a direct swipe at the opposition parties.
The Chief Minister said the Punjab Police was actively pursuing drug-related cases and taking action against criminal networks. He said the government was committed to making Punjab a peaceful and progressive state.
Mann also sought to broaden the political debate over Punjab’s drug problem, arguing that the issue should not be viewed only through the lens of the state. He said Punjab Police had taken action against alleged drug networks operating outside Punjab as well.
Mann highlights Punjab Police role in border security
The Chief Minister also stressed the role of the Punjab Police in securing the state’s international border, saying around 40 per cent of the force works in coordination with the Border Security Force (BSF).
“I have said this before as well that Punjab Police is not just the police force of Punjab; it is the police force of the country because 40 per cent of our police force also works with the BSF,” Mann said.
He said Punjab’s border-security responsibilities made its law-and-order situation an issue of national importance.
‘Why single out Punjab over drugs?’
Mann questioned what he described as the political narrative that places Punjab at the centre of the country’s drug problem. Referring to drug seizures outside the state, including at ports, he argued that trafficking networks operate across state borders and require a wider national response.
The Chief Minister said Punjab Police had conducted operations against alleged drug networks in other states and maintained that action against the supply chain was more important than merely targeting Punjab politically.
Mann cites action against gangster modules
Separately, Mann highlighted the government’s broader crackdown on organised crime, saying 1,234 gangster modules have been busted and 10 proclaimed offenders have been deported from abroad.
He also said 60,582 FIRs had been registered against drug traffickers and properties worth ₹366 crore had been seized as part of the anti-drug campaign.
Mann said the Punjab Police had also been equipped with high-tech anti-drone systems, while Village Defence Committees involving around 1.5 lakh people had been formed. The Chief Minister warned that anyone attempting to disturb peace in Punjab would not be spared.
His remarks come amid a growing political focus on drugs, gangsters and law and order in Punjab, with the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and opposition parties trading charges over who is responsible for the state’s security challenges.