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A political clash erupted between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh after BJP MP Kangana Ranaut claimed drug addiction in Himachal is due to smuggling from Pakistan via Punjab.
BJP MP Kangana Ranaut and Punjab Minister Harpal Singh Cheema. (PTI)
A fresh political slugfest broke out between Punjab and Himachal Pradesh after BJP Lok Sabha MP Kangana Ranaut on Friday claimed that drug addiction among Himachal Pradesh youth is rising because of smuggling from Pakistan through Punjab.
She echoed similar sentiments of Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla who yesterday warned that if immediate action is not taken to eradicate drug menace, Himachal Pradesh would become “Udta Punjab” in the next five years.
These remarks have drawn a strong rebuttal from Punjab’s ruling Aam Aadmi Party.
What Kangana Ranaut Said?
The actor-turned-politician linked the rising drug abuse in her home state to narcotics trafficking from Pakistan via Punjab, saying that it is impacting Himachal’s youth and families.
“The state of drug abuse across Himachal Pradesh is dire.I agree with the Governor’s ‘Udta Punjab’ remark as teens and children in the state are gullible and get easily involved in drugs coming from Pakistan via Punjab,” she said while speaking outside Parliament as quoted by news agency PTI.
VIDEO | New Delhi: BJP MP Kangana Ranaut (@KanganaTeam) speaks on Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla’s ‘Udta Punjab’ remark regarding rampant drug use in parts of the state: “The state of drug abuse across Himachal Pradesh is dire.I agree with the Governor’s ‘Udta… pic.twitter.com/3vBuu0J2Ox— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 25, 2025
Ranaut further claimed that many young Himachalis were falling victim to addiction and turning to crime. “Our children are gullible, naïve and simple,” she claimed.
What Himachal Pradesh Governor Said?
A day earlier on Thursday, Himachal Pradesh Governor Shiv Pratap Shukla echoed similar sentiments and warned that the hill state could soon become “Udta Punjab” if no immediate action is taken to eradicate the drug menace.
While addressing mediapersons in Shimla, he said that the NDPS cases rose by 340 per cent from around 500 in 2012 to about 2200 in 2023, and expressed concern over the “rising” menace of substance abuse in the state.
The governor emphasised the urgent need for the state government to establish a new state-of-the-art de-addiction and rehabilitation centre.
There is only one rehab run by the Red Cross in Kullu and we have been hearing that land is being identified for setting up a rehabilitation centre in the Sirmaur district, but nothing is moving on ground,” he said as quoted by PTI.
AAP Minister’s Rebuttal
Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema responded to the remarks and accused the BJP MP of irresponsibility.
“The nation knows Kangana very well. She comes from the film industry, doesn’t know much, and tries to pull the same stunts here. She just wants attention. The BJP should either restrain her or remove her from the party,” he said as quoted by PTI.
VIDEO | Chandigarh: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema, responding to Kangana Ranaut’s remark on drugs, says, “The nation knows Kangana very well. She comes from the film industry, doesn’t know much, and tries to pull the same stunts here. She just wants attention. The… pic.twitter.com/HIwSSEAb6h— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) July 25, 2025
He further questioned why Ranaut was silent on other BJP-ruled states.
(With inputs from agencies)
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben…Read More
Shobhit Gupta is a sub-editor at News18.com and covers India and International news. He is interested in day to day political affairs in India and geopolitics. He earned his BA Journalism (Hons) degree from Ben… Read More
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