Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria on Wednesday rejected allegations by the ruling Aam Aadmi Party that his anti drug padyatra was politically motivated, asserting that the campaign was a constitutional and social responsibility aimed at eradicating substance abuse from society.
Leading the march for the third consecutive day in Fazilka, Kataria said the initiative was open to all political parties and citizens. “I am following the dignity of the Constitution. Any political party, its leaders, and common people can join this effort. We must collectively raise our voice to eliminate drugs from society. I personally called AAP leaders as well,” he said.
The Governor’s response came after AAP leaders questioned the presence of opposition figures during the yatra and alleged that it carried political overtones.
The controversy intensified on Tuesday when Shiromani Akali Dal president Sukhbir Singh Badal, BJP working president Ashwani Sharma, and Dera Beas chief Baba Gurinder Singh Dhillon joined the march, triggering speculation about possible political realignments ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. AAP spokesperson Kuldeep Dhaliwal remarked that the campaign had the “smell of politics.”
Addressing the absence of AAP representatives, Kataria reiterated that he had personally invited leaders from every party. Emphasising Punjab’s legacy, he said the state has always been known as a land of bravery, sacrifice, and farmers that brought pride to the nation. “If everyone makes an honest effort together, the menace of drugs can be eradicated from its roots,” he added.
Among those who participated in the padyatra were BJP leaders Surjit Jyani and Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi, social workers Karan Gilhotra, Manoj Nagpal, and Deepak Nagpal, as well as Lakhwinder Singh, father of cricketer Shubman Gill.
The march has also sparked a political exchange between the BJP and the Congress. Punjab Congress chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring, speaking at a rally in Nabha, referred to the Akali Dal and BJP as “ghosts,” suggesting that the Congress now sees both parties aligning again.
