After AAP, Congress plans drug campaign against SAD

Rajmeet Singh

Tribune News Service

Chandigarh, August 31

After the Aam Aadmi Party, it’s the turn of the Congress to wage a war against the ruling Akalis over the drug menace.

The campaign would be launched from Majitha, the constituency of Akali stalwart and Revenue Minister Bikram Singh Majithia. But unlike AAP, the Congress intends to give a social dimension to its campaign by targeting the drug supply chain. For this, the party would be roping in NGOs active in the field and would also seek help from the families that have lost their dear ones to drug addiction.

After getting a go-ahead from Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi, a party panel comprising senior leaders and led by Ludhiana MP Ravneet Singh Bittu has already met once to formulate a strategy. Sukhjinder Raj Majithia (Lali Majithia), who had unsuccessfully contested against Majithia, has been made the committee vice-chairman.

Bittu said top leaders would be visiting at least 45 places in various constituencies, including Majitha, Tarn Taran, Valtoha, Moga and Ludhiana, that have been notorious for drug problem. They would also spend time with the families of the drug victims and stay overnight in targeted areas to identify peddlers, he said.

Sadvi Khosla, who had made ‘Fading Glory’, a documentary based on the drug problem in Punjab, too, would be involved in the campaign, added Bittu.

Jakhar may get key role

Punjab Congress spokesman Sunil Jakhar, who could not be nominated to Rajya Sabha, is likely to be given an important role in the party’s campaign committee headed by AICC general secretary Ambika Soni, sources said. An announcement on PPCC chief Capt Amarinder Singh as the CM face is also expected soon, they said.