Rahul Gandhi virtually declares Amarinder as CM candidate

AMRITSAR: Virtually announcing Amarinder Singh as Congress's chief ministerial candidate in Punjab, Rahul Gandhi today said tackling the drug menace should be his top priority while forming government.

Addressing a gathering here, the Congress vice president said Amarinder should take up the matter on a priority basis as it was a big issue for the people of Punjab, when he forms the government in the state.

"...I ask Amarinder Singh to deal with the drug issue sternly on priority basis when you form the government in Punjab since problem of drug is big issue for the inhabitants of state," Rahul said.

He said everyone must fight the threat posed by drugs regardless of political affiliations.

Describing unemployment the reason behind drug addiction in Punjab, Rahul said the development of the state was stalled because of the menace.

Rahul also attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the state government for "ignoring" the issue in the state.

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Akali Dal should have listened when somebody was complaining about drug problem in Punjab, but they always ignored it, saying that there is no such problem.

"This attitude indicates that they are crushing the voice of people and soul of state. Already lot of precious time has lapsed to tackle the drug issue. This is not new problem in Punjab; it is prevailing in Punjab for the last several years," he said.

He said the government should listen to criticism as it would only benefit them.