Congress slams SAD govt, says it should own responsibility for Punjab's drug menace

Firing a fresh salvo at the Parkash Singh Badal-led SAD government in Punjab, the Congress today said the state dispensation should own responsibility for the prevailing drug menace in the state, otherwise it will ruin the youth.

Congress leader Vijay Singla said it was Congress president Rahul Gandhi who raised his voice against the drug menace in Punjab, but was ridiculed by the state government.

"Drugs in Punjab is a grave issue and our leader Rahul Gandhiji raised this issue three years ago and at that time this government made a joke out of it," said Singla.

"The Punjab government should understand the sentiments of the youth of the state and try to control the drug menace in the region else Punjab will be ruined," he added.

Talking about the controversy surrounding Udta Punjab, Singla said the film showcases the reality of drug abuse in Punjab, and that is why the BJP and its allies tried to suppress the message.

According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), Punjab accounts for 45% of all prisoners in the country convicted on drug-related charges. The state also accounts for 30% of under-trials facing such charges.

-ANI