Jalandhar, October 17, 2026: Congress Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot launched a sharp political attack on the Aam Aadmi Party government on Saturday, alleging that repeated incidents of shootings, extortion demands and organised criminal activity had created serious concern among people across Punjab.
Pilot arrived at the Congress Bhawan in Jalandhar along with newly appointed Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh, where they were welcomed by party leaders and workers. Jalandhar North MLA Avtar Singh Junior Henry, Shahkot MLA Hardev Singh Ladi Sherowalia and several other Congress representatives were present during the interaction.
Addressing the media, Pilot claimed that public confidence in the state government had weakened because of concerns over crime, drugs and law and order. He said young people in particular were looking for change and accused the AAP administration of failing to meet the expectations created when it came to power.
Pilot referred to incidents of shootings, ransom demands and alleged mafia activity while questioning the state government's handling of public safety. These remarks represented the Congress leader's political assessment of the situation; responsibility for individual criminal incidents remains a matter for police investigation and the courts.
He also referred to the recent killing of anti-drug activist Parvinder Singh Jhota in Mansa, arguing that the incident had intensified public concern over the safety of people who speak against the drug trade. Congress has been using Jhota's killing and other cases of violence to press the state government for stronger action and accountability.
Pilot also revisited the case involving Gulzar Singh, alleging that questions raised by the family and Congress over the circumstances surrounding his death had not been adequately addressed. Congress has previously demanded action over allegations involving Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. Those allegations remain disputed and should not be treated as findings of criminal responsibility unless established through an investigation or court proceedings.
Turning to the 2027 Punjab Assembly election, Pilot said Congress was preparing to offer what he described as an alternative government and expressed confidence that the party would secure a majority. His remarks were a political prediction by the Congress leadership rather than an assessment of the eventual election result.
Pilot also targeted the Union government over the drug problem, arguing that responsibility for tackling narcotics trafficking cannot rest with the Punjab government alone. He pointed to Punjab's international border and alleged that drugs and weapons continue to enter the state through drones and cross-border networks.
The Congress leader questioned the Centre's plans to make Punjab and the country drug-free by 2029, saying border security and the interception of cross-border smuggling networks also fall within the responsibilities of central security agencies.
The Union government has, meanwhile, laid out a national 2026–2029 narcotics-control roadmap, focusing on enforcement, synthetic drugs, prevention, rehabilitation and coordination between the Centre and states. The Centre has said the fight against drugs requires cooperation among security agencies, state governments and other institutions.
Pilot argued that both levels of government must be held accountable where their respective responsibilities are concerned. He said incidents involving drones, illegal weapons and narcotics required stronger coordination rather than political blame shifting.
The AAP government has rejected opposition claims of complete failure on drugs and law and order and has continued its statewide anti-drug campaign. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has also been holding reviews with senior police and administrative officers as the government seeks to intensify enforcement, rehabilitation and action in identified drug hotspots.
The exchange underlines how drugs, organised crime and law and order are rapidly becoming central political issues ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly election. Congress is seeking to make public safety a major part of its campaign, while the AAP government maintains that enforcement against drug networks and gang activity is continuing across the state.
Pilot and Pargat Singh are currently touring different parts of Punjab and meeting families affected by incidents of violence as Congress steps up its political campaign ahead of the Assembly election.
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