'Udta Punjab' jibe by Kangana Ranaut, Himachal governor, sparks outrage
What's the story
A political controversy has erupted between Himachal Pradesh and Punjab after actor-turned-politician and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Kangana Ranaut claimed that the rising drug abuse in her home state is linked to Punjab. Her comments, made while supporting Himachal Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla's warning about a potential "Udta Punjab" situation, have been met with criticism from Punjab's Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government.
Political clash
Here's what Ranaut said
On Friday, during the Monsoon Session outside Parliament, the Mandi MP alleged that drugs were entering Himachal Pradesh from Punjab, affecting its youth and families. "Drugs coming to Himachal Pradesh from Pakistan via Punjab is affecting youth and families in the state," she said. AAP leader and Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema responded by accusing Ranaut of irresponsibility.
Counterattack
'Kangana should conduct survey in BJP-ruled states'
Cheema said, "Kangana Ranaut should first conduct a survey in BJP-ruled states before blaming Punjab." "This is not the first time she has made such absurd and baseless statements. She is habitual in speaking without evidence." He also questioned why Ranaut was silent on other BJP-ruled states where drug abuse is reportedly higher than in Punjab.
Governor's concern
'Udta Punjab': Shukla earlier referred to film on drug abuse
Shukla had earlier warned that Himachal Pradesh could become the next "Udta Punjab" if the drug use in the state was not tackled urgently. He pointed out a 340% rise in narcotics-related cases under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act. He revealed that in 2012, there were 500 cases, and by 2023, it was 2,200. The governor also criticized the state's lack of rehabilitation infrastructure, sharing that there is only one Red Cross-run drug rehabilitation center in Kullu.