In a joint operation by the Vigilance Bureau and the Punjab Police, senior Shiromani Akali Dal leader and former Cabinet Minister Bikram Majithia was arrested from his residence in Amritsar. The operation, which began early Wednesday morning, involved raids at 25 locations across the state, including nine linked to Majithia. The Vigilance Bureau described this action as a crucial part of the “war against drugs” campaign.
Following the arrest, Bikram Majithia accused the government of political vendetta, claiming he was being targeted to silence his voice. Majithia stated, “The government is trying to intimidate me, but I will not back down.” The arrest has sparked political turmoil in the state.
Aam Aadmi Party MLA Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh has raised questions about his own government’s raids, deeming the operation unethical and a violation of family dignity. He pointed out that during the arrest of Majithia when the Congress government was in power, the Bhagwant Mann government did not seek a remand or conduct any interrogation, and also supported his bail. He argued that this current action is not only a violation of political etiquette but also an insult to human dignity.
A Big Leader Cannot Be Ignored
AAP convener Arvind Kejriwal has bly reacted to Bikram Majithia’s arrest in a drug case. He asserted that no matter how big a leader someone is, they are not above the law. Kejriwal accused Majithia of colluding with international drug dealers, stating that ministers who allegedly used their vehicles to transport drugs were also accountable. He praised the Punjab government’s actions and predicted that AAP would win more than 100 seats in the state in the next election.
My Voice Is Being Attempted to Suppress
Following his arrest in the drug case, Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Majithia has leveled serious allegations against the Vigilance Bureau and the Punjab government. Majithia claimed that the Vigilance Bureau conducted a fake FIR on Tuesday night and then forcibly raided his Amritsar residence on Wednesday morning. He described the action as a fabricated case of disproportionate assets and asserted that the entire action was motivated by political retribution.
In a conversation with the media, Majithia clarified that when the Bhagwant Mann government found nothing in the drug case, they are now fabricating a new case against him. He accused the Vigilance team of entering his home without reason to harass him mentally. Majithia stated firmly, “I will not be intimidated and the government cannot suppress my voice.”
The former minister also stated that he has consistently spoken out on issues of Punjab’s interests and the welfare of the public and will continue to do so. He expressed confidence that truth will ultimately prevail and the current government’s anti-people agenda will be exposed.
Politicians Have Been Arrested Before
The issue of drugs is not new in Punjab’s political landscape. Following Bikram Majithia’s arrest, it has once again come to the forefront. However, this is not the first time a prominent figure has been implicated in a drug network. In October 2023, former Congress MLA and current BJP leader Satkar Kaur and her driver Jaspreet Singh were arrested in Mohali’s Khard area for allegedly attempting to sell 100 grams of heroin. Police also seized four vehicles and fake number plates from Delhi-Haryana, used for drug supply.
In 2014, Punjab’s former Director General of Police (Jails) Shshankit released a list of individuals allegedly involved in drug trafficking, sparking political turmoil. The report identified six influential figures, two of whom were ministers in the then Akali-BJP government. Shshankit stated that political patronage was being extended to the drug business in Punjab, which was the reason for the widespread addiction among the state’s youth.
These incidents demonstrate that the scope of the drug network in Punjab extends beyond criminals and has deep roots in power and politics. Every time a prominent name is targeted, political rhetoric intensifies, but a decisive battle against drug trafficking remains a challenge.
