BJP MP Shares Video of Disoriented Men as Punjab Incident; It Was From Rajasthan
A video shared by BJP Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh on social media, purportedly showing the effect of a "zombie drug" in Punjab, is actually from Sri Ganganagar in Rajasthan, according to the Punjab government. The clip has ignited a fresh political exchange between the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) over Punjab's ongoing battle against narcotics.
The video, posted on X, shows two turbaned men appearing disoriented and struggling to stand on a roadside. The visuals were soon described on social media as evidence of the so-called "zombie drug" affecting Punjab's youth. However, there is no independent confirmation of what substance, if any, the men had consumed, nor the exact date and time of the recording.
Harbhajan Singh, a former hockey player and current Rajya Sabha MP, accompanied the video with a message suggesting that Punjab's youth deserve better. He called for honesty, accountability and urgent action, a remark that was seen as a direct criticism of the AAP government's handling of the drug problem in the state.
His post drew an immediate retort from Punjab Cabinet Minister Dr Baljit Kaur. In a statement, she accused the BJP leader of sharing a video from Sri Ganganagar, Rajasthan, while presenting it as a Punjab incident. She alleged that the MP was trying to please his political superiors and was willing to "ruin Punjab's image" for the sake of party politics.
The clash reflects the deep political rivalry between AAP and BJP over the issue of drug abuse in Punjab. Drug addiction has remained a sensitive and emotionally charged topic in the state, with families affected by substance abuse and repeated political promises to tackle the problem. The issue has often dominated election campaigns, with parties accusing each other of failing to protect the youth.
The AAP government, which came to power in 2022, has claimed to have taken strict measures, including the formation of special task forces and increased police action against drug peddlers. The BJP, on the other hand, has repeatedly questioned these claims, pointing to ongoing incidents and demanding more transparency in the government's efforts.
In this latest example, the original video does not pertain to Punjab. Yet both parties are using it to reinforce their respective narratives — the BJP as evidence of a worsening crisis, and the AAP as an example of misleading opposition tactics. Political observers note that such incidents demonstrate how easily unverified content can be weaponised in politically charged environments.
Journalists and fact-checkers have continuously highlighted the need for citizens to verify the source and location of videos before sharing them, especially when they concern public health or social stability. The term "zombie drug" itself is not a recognised medical term in India, and its loose usage on social media has contributed to confusion.
As of now, there has been no response from Harbhajan Singh to the clarification issued by the Punjab minister. The video continues to circulate online, but its factual origin outside Punjab has been established. Whether this will change the political debate remains to be seen.
