Amit Shah led launch of NDA's campaign in Punjab at a big rally in Amritsar today.
BJP chief Amit Shah led the launch of the ruling National Democratic Alliance's campaign in Punjab at a big rally in Amritsar today, attacking the opposition Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party, who have made the menace of drugs a key election issue.
"Those who call the youth of Punjab drug addicts have no right to seek votes here," Amit Shah said, in support that came as huge relief for the Akali Dal, which leads their alliance in Punjab and has been pummeled on the huge problem of drug addiction in the state.
It marked a change in the BJP's stand. The party had earlier planned to hold a rally against drug menace in the state in Amritsar soon after winning Lok Sabha polls when the NDA had failed to cash on Modi wave in Punjab. BJP had blamed anger against Akali Dal for loss of Amritsar seat where party stalwart Arun Jaitley was drubbed by Congress candidate Capt Amarinder Singh.
On stage, BJP and Akali leaders heaped praise on the Narendra Modi government at the centre for the surgical strikes conducted by the Indian Army to target terror camps across the Line of Control in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir.
Punjab too shares a border with Pakistan and the state had to evacuate villages near the border after the surgical strikes. At today's rally, the NDA leaders tried their best to play on sentiments.
While referring to the surgical strikes Union Finance Minister blamed the previous Congress led UPA regime for the Kashmir mess and said that NDA government is giving a befitting reply to Pak's misadventures.
"Nobody can challenge us...we will retaliate in the same manner to our enemies....now the government is different," said Mr Jaitley, who was present at, as were Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal of the Akali Dal and his son and Deputy Sukhbir Badal in a big show of strength.
The NDA is banking heavily on the surgical strikes to help it tide over an anti-incumbency sentiment after 10 years of rule.
The opposition swiftly launched a counter-attack. "After the surgical strikes, ceasefire violations by Pakistan have increased. Many of our soldiers have been martyred," said Randeep Surjewala of the Congress.
Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who heads the Aam Aadmi Party, said, "I had warned the Akalis to put me in jail else I will do that to them when AAP comes to power...now three months are left, my government will put (Akali minister) Majithia behind bars." Mr Kejriwal was in Amritsar for court hearing in the defamation case filed by Bikram Majithia. Mr Majithia has dragged the AAP leader in court for allegations levelled against him in drugs case.