Harpal Singh Cheema

AAP has intensified its political response after ED searches at GMADA and locations linked to Punjab government figures, while Bhagwant Mann's election campaign, the BJP's anti-drug yatra and Congress's collective-leadership strategy add to the growing political activity ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections

Opposition parties in Punjab have intensified their campaign against the Aam Aadmi Party government over the state's drug problem and recent incidents involving people who said they had raised concerns about drug availability. A 21-member joint action committee comprising representatives of the Congress, BJP, Shiromani Akali Dal and other organisations has announced an indefinite protest in Sangrur, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's home district. The development comes ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema has responded to allegations surrounding the death of Dalit labourer Gulzar Singh, while opposition leaders have called for further investigation and accountability.

Congress leaders staged a protest in Chandigarh over the death of a Dalit man, with party leaders including Sachin Pilot, Partap Singh Bajwa and Amarinder Singh Raja Warring detained during the demonstration. The protest has added a fresh political dispute between Congress and the Punjab government.

A political controversy has erupted in Punjab after the death of a Sangrur farmer whose family says he had raised concerns about drug addiction and government action against the drug trade. Rahul Gandhi has demanded the resignation of Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema and called for an independent investigation.