Punjab Leader of Opposition and senior Congress leader Partap Singh Bajwa made a stark and emotional appeal about the state of Punjab’s youth on Tuesday, highlighting the twin crises of emigration and drug addiction. Speaking to Congress workers in Mohali, Bajwa said,
“Our children are selling their land and going abroad. Many youths are addicted to drugs. This is a big challenge. We have to save Punjab.”
🚨 FIR Over Bomb Claims: “I Stand By What I Said”
Bajwa’s comments came after his six-hour questioning at the Cybercrime Police Station in Mohali, related to his earlier controversial statement alleging that 50 bombs had entered Punjab, with 18 already exploded. While the Punjab Police demanded he reveal the source of this sensitive information, Bajwa reportedly did not provide one.
“The Leader of the Opposition is like a shadow Chief Minister. If someone like me can be interrogated for six hours, imagine the plight of a common man,” he told ANI after the session.
🧨 Counter Intelligence Team Probes Bajwa’s Claim
On Sunday, a Counterintelligence team from Punjab Police visited Bajwa’s residence to investigate his claims, which they described as a serious national security matter.
“Bajwa made a statement that grenades have entered Punjab. We asked for the source of this very sensitive information. But he was unable to provide it,” said AIG Ravjot Grewal from the Counterintelligence unit.
🗣️ Congress Comes Out in Support
Former Chief Minister and Congress MP Charanjit Singh Channi voiced strong support for Bajwa, stating:
“The entire Congress is with Bajwa sahab. We will fight this battle together.”
Congress General Secretary Jairam Ramesh also criticized the Punjab government for what he termed intimidation tactics, calling Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann a “bundle of insecurity and incompetence.”
“Instead of taking the warning seriously, CM Mann accused Bajwa—who has lost family to terrorism—of links with terrorist groups. The AAP is rattled and resorting to intimidation, smear, and threats,” Ramesh wrote on X.
💬 The Bigger Picture: Youth, Drugs, and Governance
While the bomb claim has stirred legal and political turmoil, Bajwa’s remarks about Punjab’s youth hit a raw nerve in the state. Emigration for education and employment, coupled with rising drug addiction, has been a persistent challenge, often cited as a societal and governance failure.
His statement reflects a deep concern among political leaders and civil society that Punjab’s future is at stake—not just due to external threats, but internal decay.