NEW DELHI: BJP Rajya Sabha MP and former cricketer Harbhajan Singh got here beneath fireplace after he shared a video of two apparently intoxicated males on Monday, claiming it confirmed the sorry state of Punjab’s youth. Punjab Police and AAP leaders later stated the footage was really from Rajasthan.“very unhappy to see the state of affairs of Punjab,” Singh wrote on Monday evening.“Punjab and its youth deserve higher. This situation wants honesty, accountability, and pressing motion – not denial,” he added.In an extended message accompanying the video, Singh questioned successive governments over the drug state of affairs in Punjab.“What have the governments accomplished to Punjab and its Punjabi youth? The place have they introduced Punjab to? The Punjab that was as soon as recognized for its excessive spirits, braveness and bravado, at present that very same Punjab’s youth has been engulfed by medication. There may be nonetheless time – save my Punjab,” he stated.Singh had stop the AAP and joined the BJP in April.The submit shortly drew criticism from AAP leaders, who accused Singh of utilizing a video from one other state to painting Punjab in a unfavorable mild.
What’s the ‘zombie drug’?
“Zombie drug” generally refers to xylazine, a veterinary sedative present in illicit drug provides and also called “tranq” or “tranq dope”. The video went viral on social media, with customers claiming the 2 males seemed to be beneath the affect of medication, together with what was described as a “zombie drug”. Nonetheless, Singh didn’t use the time period in his submit whereas sharing the clip.
Punjab Police fact-checks video
The declare was challenged by Punjab Police, which stated the video was not from Punjab however from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan.“The video being circulated is from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan – not Punjab,” Punjab Police stated in a submit on X.The police urged social media customers to confirm the situation and details earlier than sharing such materials.“We urge customers and social media accounts to confirm the details and placement earlier than posting deceptive content material or tagging Punjab Police. Accountable sharing issues. @harbhajan_singh,” it stated.Punjab Police additionally addressed the Punjabi audio accompanying the clip, saying, “A Punjabi audio observe doesn’t make an incident a Punjab incident.”
AAP hits again at BJP MP
The police clarification prompted sharp criticism from AAP leaders.AAP nationwide convenor Arvind Kejriwal questioned whether or not the BJP’s messaging was coordinated.“Many BJP folks unfold this lie collectively yesterday. Did the order come from the PMO? Does the PMO unfold lies within the nation?” Kejriwal stated.Punjab cupboard minister Baljit Kaur accused Singh of intentionally sharing footage from Rajasthan to painting Punjab negatively.“Take a look at the desperation to please his political bosses. He’s sharing a video from Rajasthan and mendacity that it’s from Punjab.
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“You’ll do something for ‘BJP ki dalali’, even when it means ruining Punjab’s picture. The folks of Punjab won’t ever forgive you for this,” she stated on X.Punjab cupboard minister Harbhajan Singh ETO additionally attacked the BJP MP, alleging that the get together makes use of misinformation to focus on Punjab.“That is the BJP’s normal modus operandi: manufacture lies and use sell-outs like Harbhajan to continually defame Punjab. This video is from Rajasthan, however he lies to destroy the picture of the state that gave him his total profession. Punjabis see proper by this soiled propaganda,” he stated.
