Chandigarh, March 19 — AAP Rajya Sabha member Harbhajan Singh clarified his stance on Punjab’s anti-drug campaign after facing sharp criticism from party colleague Somnath Bharti. Responding to the backlash over his earlier remarks opposing the demolition of drug traffickers’ properties, Harbhajan posted on X, expressing full support for the state government.
“Let me make it very clear. @AAPPunjab govt is the first in Punjab to take such drastic action against drug smugglers. I stand in complete support of Punjab Police and the government. Finally, we have a govt serious about eradicating drugs. Together, we will win this war. Let’s make our great state free from any kind of nasha (addiction),” Harbhajan wrote.
The clarification came after Bharti lashed out at him on X, calling his initial statement “completely uncalled for.” “Harbhajan_Singh ji, you are favouring drug lords who have destroyed the youth of Punjab. Your statement is absolutely uncalled for,” Bharti wrote, adding that Punjab had been turned into a land of drugs, and the guilty must face severe punishment.
On Tuesday, Harbhajan had voiced his disapproval of the demolition drive, suggesting that drug smugglers should be arrested and sensitised about the impact of drug abuse rather than having their homes razed. “It is not right to demolish homes providing a roof to other family members. The government should relocate residents before vacating the space,” he said.
Bharti, however, condemned Harbhajan’s remarks, urging him to act responsibly as a youth icon. “You should be seen doing things to save Punjab’s youth, but your statement reflects otherwise,” he said. He also cautioned Harbhajan against making public statements that contradicted the party’s stand. “There is enough democracy in my party. You should have voiced this before the leadership, not in public,” Bharti added.
Harbhajan became the second AAP Rajya Sabha member in two days to disagree with the party’s position. Earlier, AAP MP Ashok Kumar Mittal had praised the BJP-led GOI for renaming colonial-era places, a stance seen as contrary to AAP’s view.
Since launching its Yudh Nashian Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign on February 28, the Punjab government has demolished over two dozen illegal properties allegedly built using drug money.
