Bhagwant Mann Responds to Amit Shah’s Drug Remarks, Raises Gujarat Drug Seizures

October 23, 2026

Chandigarh: Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has hit back at Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s statement regarding the drug problem in Punjab. Mann alleged that the largest drug cartels in Punjab were formed during the tenure of the previous Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD)-BJP coalition government. Citing the seizure of large quantities of drugs at Gujarat ports, he claimed that Gujarat has now effectively become the largest drug supply hub in the country.

Speaking to reporters in Chandigarh, the Chief Minister targeted the BJP and questioned the tenure of the previous state government. He alleged that several senior ministers in the government were facing serious allegations at that time.

Allegations against the government from 2007 to 2017

Bhagwant Mann said that major drug cartels were formed during the Akali Dal-BJP coalition government in Punjab between 2007 and 2017. He alleged that several prominent smugglers had named senior ministers at that time, and that deals are now allegedly being made with these same individuals.

Questions raised regarding drug consignments at Gujarat ports

Referring to incidents of large drug consignments being seized in Gujarat, the Chief Minister questioned how such large quantities of drugs are entering the country despite strict security and customs checks at the ports.

Mann said, “Drugs are coming from Gujarat. Officials themselves have admitted to seizing drugs worth ₹20,000 crore. Drones can cross the border from Pakistan, but what about the ports? How do these consignments get through there? Ports have proper customs procedures and security.”

He further stated that if consignments of 3,000 kilograms are arriving at the ports, it means that Gujarat has effectively become the largest drug supply hub in the country.

Amit Shah expressed concern over the drug problem in Punjab

Bhagwant Mann’s statement comes after Union Home Minister Amit Shah expressed concern over the drug problem in Punjab. Shah stressed the need for stronger administrative action to curb cross-border drug smuggling.

Amit Shah also targeted regarding the 2027 elections

Earlier on Friday, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann also responded to Amit Shah’s claim that the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) would be voted out of power in the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

Mann responded to this by saying that the public decides to form or remove a government, and not at the behest of a single leader.

Speaking to ANI, the Chief Minister said, “This won’t happen just because Amit Shah says so. It will depend on what the public says.”

These statements have further intensified the political rhetoric between BJP and Aam Aadmi Party leaders in Punjab.