By IANS,
Chandigarh : Congress general secretary Rahul Gandhi’s comment that “seven out of 10 youths in Punjab have the problem of drugs” has attracted sharp reactions from political leaders in the state and on social networking website Twitter.
Rahul Gandhi had made the comment while addressing a rally at Panjab University campus here Thursday – the second day of his two-day Punjab visit.
Refering to the state, the Congress general secretary said: “What is happening to human resources in Punjab. Seven out of 10 youth have the problem of drugs.”
Reacting to Rahul Gandhi’s comment, Punjab Deputy Chief Minister Sukhbir Singh Badal said that the Congress leader was far removed from ground realities. He termed the Congress general secretary’s comment as a political statement.
On twitter, one tweet asked Rahul Gandhi to “shut up and do something about it” (drugs). Another one said: “Rahul Gandhi was on drugs when he addressed Punjab youth”.
The rampant problem of drugs abuse among the youth in Punjab has been acknowledged in studies conducted by state universities and NGOs. Political and religious leaders are also aware of it and have been highlighting it.