JD (U) backs Rahul Gandhi's protest march against drug abuse in Punjab

The Janata Dal (United) on Monday welcomed Congress vice-president Rahul Gandhi's protest march in Jalandhar against the rampant drug abuse in Punjab and urged all political parties to raise their voices against the menace.

"Punjab has become infamous for consumption and smuggling of drugs. Social organisations and political parties are raising their voices against the menace. We appreciate Rahul Gandhi's efforts in this direction," JD (U) leader K.C. Tyagi told ANI.

Congress leader P.L. Punia had earlier said the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its ally the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) are creating 'unnecessary' controversy over a relevant issue that needs to be addressed.

Gandhi, who will be accompanied by members of the Congress' Punjab unit, is also expected to highlight the alleged deterioration in the law and order situation in the state.

"Will join the mass protest in Jalandhar on Monday, 13th June, to highlight rampant drug abuse and collapse of law & order in Punjab," Gandhi's office had tweeted earlier on June 10.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has dubbed Gandhi's protest against drugs as ridiculous and alleged that the Congress was adopting double standards as the grand party had failed to initiate any action on the same when the matter was brought to the notice of former prime minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.