Chugh accuses Kejriwal, Mann of misusing state agencies to target Majithia

Chandigarh, 26 Jun: BJP National General Secretary Tarun Chugh has criticised Delhi’s former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging that they are misusing state machinery to pursue political vendettas. The remarks follow the arrest of Shiromani Akali Dal leader Bikram Singh Majithia under the state’s ongoing anti-drug campaign.

Chugh questioned the credibility of the action, pointing to Kejriwal’s 2018 apology to Majithia over previous drug-related allegations. He suggested that the renewed legal pursuit undermines the sincerity of that apology and reflects political opportunism.

Citing the recent judicial finding that prima facie held Kejriwal guilty of corruption in Delhi, Chugh alleged that Kejriwal is now extending his authoritarian methods to Punjab, transforming the state into a “police-driven regime” under the guise of governance. He accused the Mann-led Punjab government of targeting opposition figures while allowing major drug traffickers to operate with impunity. Chugh labelled the state’s 'Yuddh Nashiyan Virudh' (War Against Drugs) campaign as a superficial public relations exercise aimed more at silencing critics than addressing the root of the narcotics crisis.

As India marked the 50th anniversary of the Emergency, Chugh drew a parallel between the events of 1975 and the current political climate in Punjab, alleging a revival of repressive tactics under the Mann government. He called on opposition parties in the state to unite against what he described as unconstitutional governance and urged the public to stand up in defence of democratic values.