The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched a scathing attack on the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Goa, alleging that several BJP leaders are directly involved in the state’s flourishing drug trade. AAP has demanded a central investigation, urging agencies like the Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to take immediate action.
AAP Goa President Amit Palekar cited a string of public allegations exchanged between BJP’s Calangute MLA Michael Lobo, Pernem MLA Pravin Arlekar, and former BJP minister Babu Ajgaonkar as clear signs of “internal knowledge” and “political complicity” in the illicit trade. Palekar called the feud a "turf war" within the BJP over control of Goa’s drug routes.
The controversy escalated when Ajgaonkar accused Arlekar of links to the drug trade, prompting Arlekar to retaliate with similar allegations involving Ajgaonkar’s son. AAP stated that this public sparring only reveals how deeply the issue runs within the ruling party.
Highlighting past incidents, AAP also recalled the case of a ketamine manufacturing unit allegedly operated on land associated with a BJP district leader. The party questioned why such cases were not transparently investigated and why no senior political figures were ever held accountable.
Demanding immediate intervention, AAP has asked central agencies to step in suo moto. Failing that, it warned it would take the matter to higher authorities, including the courts.
Drawing a contrast, AAP pointed to its governance in Punjab, claiming that only Punjab has officially declared a “War on Drugs,” deploying focused technology and dedicated resources to combat the menace—unlike Goa, where political protection allegedly shields the trade.
As of now, BJP has not issued a detailed rebuttal, though its state leadership has cautioned the involved MLAs, signaling internal concern.