Former Union Minister and BJP leader Ravneet Singh Bittu on Friday alleged that more than 100 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers attempted to attack his convoy near Pathankot, where he was headed to attend the launch of the BJP’s ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab’ campaign.
Bittu, who was travelling to Pathankot for the BJP’s anti-drug campaign, accused AAP workers of targeting his convoy and alleged that senior Punjab Police officials present at the spot were colluding with them.
Speaking about the alleged attack, Bittu said, “If anything happens to me, the Punjab DGP and Punjab CM will be responsible. AAP MLA Kalsi is behind it. No SSP or anyone else is here yet.”
The BJP leader also went live on Instagram following the alleged confrontation, claiming that some of the people involved had been apprehended. He said he had already suspected that AAP activists could attempt to disrupt the BJP’s campaign.
The BJP is launching its ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’ from Pathankot on Friday under the leadership of party national president Nitin Nabin. The campaign is aimed at highlighting the issue of drug abuse in Punjab and will cover all 117 Assembly constituencies.
According to reports, four separate yatras are being launched from Pathankot and will travel across the state over 13 days, covering nearly 4,000 km. The yatras are scheduled to converge in Jalandhar on September 30, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to address the concluding rally.
The BJP has made the drug menace a key political issue in Punjab, accusing the AAP government of failing to control drug trafficking and addiction in the state.
The AAP, however, has questioned the BJP’s campaign and accused the party of using the drug issue for political purposes. AAP leaders have also pointed to the BJP’s previous alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal while questioning its record on tackling drugs in Punjab.
The alleged attack on Bittu’s convoy comes as political activity intensifies in Punjab ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Bittu’s allegations of an organised attack, police collusion and the involvement of AAP MLA Kalsi have not yet been independently established.
The police are yet to publicly clarify the circumstances surrounding the alleged confrontation, including whether any FIRs have been registered and whether those detained by Bittu’s security team or supporters have been formally arrested.