Badal joins Punjab Governor’s drive against drugs; Cong. terms it an attempt to run ‘Samjhauta Express’

Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, who on Monday began a four-day march to raise awareness against drug abuse, was joined by Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal in Ferozepur on Tuesday. The move prompted the Congress to question whether a potential reunion of the BJP and the Akali Dal is on the cards ahead of next year’s Assembly election.

Mr. Kataria started the drive on Monday to cover three districts — Tarn Taran, Ferozepur and Fazilka — bordering Pakistan.

Punjab Congress president Amarinder Singh Raja Warring asked the Governor whether his campaign against drug abuse is “an attempt to run a ‘Samjhuta Express’ and lay the groundwork for forging an Akali-BJP alliance in the State.” The Samjhauta Express is a train connecting Delhi with Lahore.

“Before leading the march, did you raise the matter with the Union Home Ministry, under whose jurisdiction border security falls,” asked the Congress leader.

He added, While the AAP government has completely failed, what is the Central government doing to prevent the smuggling of drugs from across the border?”

The ruling party hit out at Mr. Kataria and the Akali Dal, saying, “It is condemnable that the Governor is walking with those responsible for spreading drugs.”

Meanwhile, the Akali Dal chief described his participation in Mr. Kataria’s campaign as an honour. “Governor sahab is leading by example, travelling from village to village, and city to city, with true commitment,” Mr. Badal said.