₹5,600 Crore Drug Bust Sparks Political Storm: Is Congress Behind it?

India's largest-ever drug bust, involving the seizure of narcotics worth an astounding ₹5,600 crore in Delhi, has sparked a major political controversy. The BJP has seized upon the alleged involvement of a former Congress youth leader, raising serious questions about the party's ties to the incident. While Congress has vehemently denied any connection, the BJP is pressing for accountability.

The drug bust itself is a significant law enforcement triumph, with over 560 kg of cocaine and 40 kg of hydroponic marijuana being seized in South Delhi. This operation exposed an international drug syndicate, leading to the arrest of several individuals, including Tushar Goyal, who is accused of being the mastermind behind the network. According to BJP spokespersons, Goyal’s connections go beyond criminal enterprises, with the most explosive claim being his role as the former chairman of the RTI Cell for the Delhi Pradesh Youth Congress.

This alleged link has sparked a political firestorm, with BJP leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Amit Shah, openly questioning Congress’s involvement. PM Modi has accused the Congress of "leading the youth into drug addiction and using drug money to contest and win elections." The BJP has even suggested that the drug funds may have been intended to support the upcoming Haryana assembly elections, specifically pointing fingers at former Chief Minister Bhupinder Hooda’s political network. The timing of the bust, just before key state elections, adds to the intrigue.

Key Questions:

Is Congress Connected to the Drug Syndicate?

The BJP has demanded answers regarding Goyal’s ties to the Congress. They argue that his role in the party should be scrutinized closely, pointing to Goyal’s position as RTI Cell Chairman for the Delhi Pradesh Youth Congress as recently as 2022. Photos of Goyal with high-profile Congress leaders have surfaced, adding fuel to the fire.

Was Drug Money Intended for Elections?

The BJP has raised the possibility that the drug money was intended to fund the upcoming Haryana elections. If proven true, this would suggest a deeply troubling nexus between organised crime and political campaigns, especially with assembly elections approaching in four states.

Congress has flatly denied any connection to Tushar Goyal, dismissing the allegations as a political smear campaign ahead of the elections. The Delhi Police, under its Special Cell, continues to investigate Goyal’s involvement in the international drug syndicate. Police sources indicate that Goyal has significant ties to the Middle East and plays a key role in drug distribution across India. If his involvement with Congress is confirmed, it could raise difficult questions for the party as it seeks to regain political footing in the upcoming elections.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah has also weighed in, reminding the public of the "drug menace" that flourished under Congress rule in states like Punjab and Haryana. Shah highlighted the differences in drug seizures during the BJP and Congress administrations, suggesting that the BJP has done more to combat the issue. His remarks, combined with the ongoing investigation, have intensified the political attack on Congress.