Kangana Ranaut’s Drug Trafficking Remark Sparks Political Storm in Punjab: Congress and AAP Leaders Demand Apology
Kangana Ranaut's controversial comment linking Punjab to Himachal Pradesh's drug problem has triggered backlash from Punjab's political leaders. Congress and AAP have condemned her statements, calling them divisive and misleading.
NewsSutra
A political firestorm has erupted across northern India following a controversial remark made by actor-turned-politician Kangana Ranaut, who claimed that illicit drugs often enter Himachal Pradesh through Punjab. The statement, made during a public address in Mandi—her Lok Sabha constituency—has drawn fierce criticism from political leaders in Punjab, especially from the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).
While Ranaut has positioned herself as a staunch nationalist with a firm stance against drugs and corruption, critics say her comment stigmatizes Punjab, a state already grappling with long-standing stereotypes and struggles against the drug menace. The issue has reignited a broader debate on interstate drug trafficking and the politicization of crime narratives.
What Exactly Did Kangana Say?
During an interaction with the media in Mandi, Kangana Ranaut said:
“Himachal Pradesh is a peaceful and spiritual state, but unfortunately, drugs enter here from Punjab. We must stop this external contamination.”
This statement, though brief, was enough to trigger immediate political backlash, particularly because it came at a time when Punjab has been working to rebuild its image and strengthen law enforcement mechanisms to combat drug networks.
Political Fallout: Reactions from Punjab Leaders
Congress Reacts Strongly
Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring condemned Kangana's remarks as “deeply irresponsible and defamatory,” demanding a public apology. In a press briefing held in Chandigarh, Warring said:
“Her comments insult every honest Punjabi family fighting the drug crisis. She must retract her statement or be ready to face legal and political consequences.”
Former Deputy Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa also criticized Ranaut, stating that blaming Punjab for Himachal’s internal problems is an example of cheap political sensationalism.
AAP Leaders Join the Chorus
Senior AAP leader and Punjab cabinet minister Harjot Singh Bains labeled Ranaut’s comment “unfounded and politically motivated.” He added that the AAP-led Punjab government under Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has made significant arrests and drug seizures in the past year.
“From cross-border narco-terrorism to local distribution chains, Punjab has been a frontline state fighting drug trafficking. Such comments hurt our morale and divert attention from collaborative solutions,” Bains said.
Himachal BJP Remains Silent
Interestingly, the BJP leadership in Himachal Pradesh, which includes Ranaut’s close allies, has remained largely silent on the matter. According to political observers, the silence is strategic, as criticizing Ranaut could alienate a rising star within the party, while supporting her openly could spark inter-state political friction.
The Broader Context: Punjab’s Struggle with Drug Trafficking
Punjab’s drug problem is real and multifaceted. According to a report from the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Punjab has one of the highest proportions of opioid users in the country. Factors contributing to the crisis include:
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Geographic proximity to Pakistan, with frequent infiltration of heroin via drones and tunnels along the border.
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Weak enforcement in rural districts where youth unemployment is high.
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The involvement of transnational drug cartels and local political nexus.
However, over the past few years, efforts have been intensified:
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In 2023 alone, the Punjab Police’s Special Task Force (STF) reported over 4,500 arrests in drug-related cases.
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The government introduced the "Buddy Program" and Drug Abuse Prevention Officers (DAPOs) to educate schoolchildren and communities.
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Punjab now coordinates drug intelligence with neighboring states via the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD), a pan-India platform overseen by the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB).
Himachal’s Growing Drug Concerns
While Punjab has long been viewed as the epicentre of the drug crisis, Himachal Pradesh is not immune. The Kullu and Mandi regions are known for cannabis cultivation, and recent years have seen an increase in synthetic drug abuse among youth, especially in urban and semi-urban pockets.
The State Narcotics Crime Control Unit (NCCU) reported a 24% rise in drug-related arrests in Himachal Pradesh in 2023. However, experts say it would be simplistic to blame Punjab for this problem.
Dr. Rakesh Sharma, a criminologist at Panjab University, explains:
“Drug routes in North India are dynamic. While Punjab has been a gateway in the past, current data suggests multi-state networks involving Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttarakhand. Blaming one state undermines cooperative anti-drug efforts.”
Is Kangana Playing Identity Politics?
Kangana Ranaut’s comment may also be viewed in the context of identity politics. As the BJP seeks to strengthen its hold in Himachal Pradesh and expand its influence in border regions, figures like Ranaut are expected to toe a nationalistic and populist line.
By drawing contrasts between Himachal’s “purity” and Punjab’s “corruption,” critics argue that Ranaut is attempting to frame a moral narrative that aligns with the BJP’s larger “Bharatiya culture vs infiltration” rhetoric.
However, the risk with such narratives lies in their potential to inflame regional tensions. Punjab has a history of being stereotyped as a drug-ridden state, a perception that not only hurts the morale of its people but also impacts investment and tourism.
Legal and Civil Society Reactions
Advocate Himmat Singh, a human rights lawyer based in Amritsar, has filed a legal notice to Kangana, demanding an apology within 15 days or face defamation proceedings.
Meanwhile, several civil society groups, including the Punjab Youth Welfare Council and Himachal Student Union, have called for joint state-level summits to address drug trafficking without vilifying any community or region.
What's Next?
As the controversy unfolds, political observers believe that:
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Kangana Ranaut may issue a clarification if pressure from BJP’s central leadership increases.
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The Punjab government may release updated drug enforcement data to counteract negative publicity.
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Media attention could accelerate efforts by both states to enhance joint surveillance and intelligence sharing.
For the BJP, the incident is a delicate balancing act—managing the celebrity firebrand appeal of Ranaut while preventing inter-state discord ahead of critical elections in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh.
Conclusion
The row over Kangana Ranaut’s comment reflects the volatile intersection of celebrity influence, regional politics, and sensitive issues like drug trafficking. While raising awareness about the drug crisis is commendable, doing so in a divisive and inaccurate manner risks undermining years of collaborative progress.
Punjab’s leaders—from both Congress and AAP—have united in defending the state’s integrity. Their call for evidence-based policy and cooperative action stands in stark contrast to sensationalist statements that offer more heat than light.
In a region where borders are porous but cultural ties are deep, constructive discourse and cross-border collaboration remain the only way forward.
