Rahul Gandhi slams Punjab's SAD-BJP government over drug menace, farm crisis

ZIRAKPUR: Congress Vice President Rahul Gandhi today hit out at Punjab's SAD-BJP government, accusing it of "ignoring" the serious drug problem and "betraying" the farmers of the state.

"The drug problem is a very serious issue in Punjab and it has always been a serious one. But the Akali government has ignored it," he said here after a meeting with 2,000-2,500 party members including MLAs, MPs and office-bearers.

Accusing the SAD-BJP government of not being serious about eliminating the drug problem, he said Congress has to make sure that steps are taken to eradicate it.

He said when he had raised the issue of drug problem in Punjab, the SAD-BJP dispensation had made fun of him.

Reacting to the accusation by SAD-BJP combine about drug problem claims being an insult to Punjab, Gandhi said nobody can harm the image of the state.

"Nobody can insult Punjab. Punjab is the heart of the country. Punjab gives life to the country. There is a place for Punjab in my heart. I want to help Punjab," he said.

Hailing Punjab's farmers for their "hard work", he claimed a sense of "betrayal" prevailed among the peasantry as the Akalis have "let them down".

The Congress Vice President also demanded that there be no delay in disbursal of payment to wheat-growers.

Painting a grim picture of Punjab, he said, "Industry is closing in the state and the issue of cancer also prevails."

He said if Congress is voted back to power in Punjab in the 2017 Assembly polls, the state will witness rapid development.

"When our party forms government (next year), the drug problem will soon be solved," he said, adding Congress wants to give a "new kind" of government which would be sensitive to the needs of the people.

He also claimed that the party faced no threat from Aam Aadmi Party.

Asked about allocation of party tickets for the 2017 assembly polls, he said that representation will be given to all sections of the society.

"Tickets will be given to all -- young, experienced and women," he said, adding that at least 45 per cent tickets will be allocated to the youth.

He said nominees will be finalised six months before the assembly polls.

Rejecting the suggestion that Congress decides on election tickets at the high command level, he said that "it is absolutely a myth and incorrect."

"Congress does not decide on tickets in Delhi, but a decision is taken at district level," he said.