Arvind Kejriwal, the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and former chief minister of Delhi, has sharply critiqued the BJP-led Central Government regarding incarcerated gangster Lawrence Bishnoi. Speaking at a gathering in Jalandhar on Saturday, Kejriwal claimed that Bishnoi enjoys protection from the government, referring to him as the “son-in-law” of the “ED Party.” This term was aimed at highlighting his belief that the BJP harbours such criminal elements.

During the event, which also saw the involvement of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Kejriwal accused the Union Home Ministry of shielding Bishnoi, who is currently detained in Sabarmati jail, Gujarat. He alleged that while Bishnoi is in custody, he continues to direct his criminal operations.

Kejriwal specifically pointed out that when crimes associated with Bishnoi occur in Punjab, local law enforcement faces obstacles in questioning him directly. Officers are reportedly required to travel to the Sabarmati facility to conduct inquiries instead.

Drug Trafficking Allegations Linked to Gujarat

The AAP leader also connected his accusations to the broader issue of drug trafficking, asserting that Gujarat has become a significant source of narcotics entering India, a situation he attributes to the BJP’s long-standing governance. Kejriwal claimed that upon assuming power in Punjab, 70 per cent of drugs were arriving from Pakistan and the remaining 30 per cent from Gujarat. He alleged that the current dynamics flipped, with Gujarat now accounting for the majority of drug influx.

Kejriwal stated that the Punjab government has made efforts to curb drug smuggling from Pakistan by implementing advanced anti-drone measures aimed at intercepting aerial deliveries of narcotics. He noted that this has led to a measurable decline in drugs entering Punjab from that route.

Furthermore, Kejriwal referenced a major drug seizure in 2021, where approximately 3,000 kg of narcotics, valued at Rs 21,000 crore, were confiscated at Mundra Port in Gujarat. He alleged that Gujarat has become a key gateway for drugs coming into India and suggested that the issue of disappearing narcotics in that region raises concerns about how much illicit material goes undetected.

Challenges Faced by the AAP Government

Kejriwal underscored that the issues of organised crime and drug trafficking pose significant challenges for the AAP government in Punjab. He stated that his administration inherited a perilous legacy involving several gangsters, suggesting a connection between these individuals and previous political parties.

He expressed pride in the fact that during his government’s tenure, no new gangsters emerged, attributing the existing criminal element to the political failures of the past. He claimed that his administration had successfully brought back seven gangsters from various countries as part of ongoing efforts to combat organised crime.

In summary, Kejriwal’s remarks serve to highlight his party’s approach to governance in Punjab, which includes tackling the intertwined issues of crime and drug trafficking while confronting allegations against the BJP. His assertions reflect an ongoing political rivalry, as both parties vie for public support amid these pressing concerns.

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