Gandhi, who was interacting with students of Punjab University (PU) here, said "Punjab government had made fun of him when he had said that 70 per cent of youths in Punjab were into drugs".
He asked National Students' Union of India (NSUI), party's student wing, to roll out an anti-drug campaign in Punjab and said he will support it in every possible manner to discourage youths from taking drugs.
In an over half-an-hour-long interaction, Gandhi took several questions posed by students on several issues including youths entry into politics, Central university status for PU and his "inaccessibility".
NSUI national president Roji M John, who was present in the interaction programme, briefed the media later.
It was Rahul Gandhi's second interaction with PU students. His first interaction was held in 2012.
Gandhi, in 2012, during his interaction with students here had said, "Out of every 10 youths in Punjab seven are into drugs," earning the wrath of SAD-BJP-led Punjab government which had slammed Gandhi for his statement on drug menace in Punjab, asking him how the Congress leader came to this "mathematical conclusion" on drug addiction in the state.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
