View: Double-engine BJP govt best to tackle smuggling head on, build defence ecosystem

Feb 09,2022

Few states in India can match the martial history of Punjab. It was founded on rebellion against tyranny, and continues to represent India's finest traditions of patriotism and national service. From the battle of Saragarhi and the two world wars to
the freedom struggle to 1971, the military contributions of Punjab have been memorialised in countless forums.

Punjabis have played important roles in defending our borders and securing
our nation through their historic involvement in India's armed forces. Punjab
accounts for 7.7% of the army's manpower even though its share in national
population is 2.3%. It is not uncommon for families in Punjab to pledge a veer
to the service of the nation.

Under this government, India has taken many progressive steps to ensure the
welfare of our soldiers, such as the implementation of the 'One Rank One

Canteen Service Department facilities, and instituting of the chief of defence
staff position. Since 2014, India's defence capabilities have grown by leaps and
bounds, with a clear focus on rapid modernisation.

The nation today boasts of apex weapons such as the Rafale jets, K9 Vajra-T 155
mm self-propelled howitzers, Tejas aircraft, Chinook and Apache helicopters,
Arjuna tanks, T-90 tanks and BrahMos missiles. We have scaled up our
domestic defence manufacturing capabilities by implementing visionary
policy reforms under the Make in India mission. It is a matter of pride that
India's defence exports increased from '1,521 crore in 2016-17 to '8,434.84 crore
in 2020-21.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi sent out the message loud and clear against
foreign aggression with the iron-handed handling of the Balakot airstrikes and
the Galwan response. The message that resonated across the world was that
India would not tolerate any attempts to breach its sovereignty. At the same
time, India rooted out funding and support for malignance from within by
measures such as the National Registry of Citizens (NRC) and implementation
of financial security reforms. India also pulled its weight by developing
strategic geopolitical alliances. On this Republic Day, the government
immortalised the Amar Jawan Jyoti at the National War Memorial, thus
elevating the sacrifice of soldiers for our nation's wars over the conflicts of our
colonisers in which our soldiers were forced to fight. 

Millions of soldiers and their families, especially in Punjab, have benefited
from these measures. These measures also underscore the significance of
another vital aspect of our defence, i.e. security preparedness. The wider
context is clear: these are volatile times when adversarial geopolitical
machinations, both within and without, need to be dealt with robustly.
Punjab, as the axis in this region, needs strong leadership to continue to stand

government has ensured, time and again.
However, the same cannot be said of the current state government in Punjab.
We have been witnessing a steady deterioration of law and order in the state,
with there being multiple reports on the smuggling of firearms and explosives
from across the border. These incidents are not just limited to weapons, but
also include drugs and political propaganda. It is no secret that Punjab has
been reeling from a drug-addiction epidemic. Similarly, the influence of
corrupt and conniving elements within the state government points to a
cancer within the system that puts self-interest above Punjab and national
security.
The incumbent state government has shown little capacity to tackle these
threats. The result is seen in the drastic reduction of opportunities for the
youth in Punjab. Those who escape the drug epidemic flee to Canada and the
UK for a better life. Those who remain battle a corrupt administration in
cahoots with the Pakistan-backed mafia which has cornered capital and
industry. Many foreign agencies seek to destabilise Punjab not only through
military tactics but also by inciting internal security subterfuge.
We need to fight these threats. There can be no doubt that a strong BJP-led
government at the state, working in tandem with the Centre, is the best
possible solution to the problem. One only needs to look at the impact of such
a cohesive Centre-state leadership in J&K.
Imagine the transformative impact that the double-engine BJP government
would bring to Punjab. Not only would we tackle cross-border smuggling head
on, but we would also bring in investment opportunities into the defence

industry ecosystem. Given Punjab's strategic location and cultural association
with the armed forces, the defence sector could create lakhs of jobs for the
state's youth. Our record speaks for us in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.
Punjab will also reap the benefits of accelerated infrastructure development in
roadways, railways and airports which will ensure a tactical national security
advantage, and catalyse growth in logistics and warehousing for Punjab's
agricultural and textile sectors.
It is imperative that the people of Punjab see chalk from cheese and elect a
leadership which has strong political will and demonstrated success. It is not
only Punjab's future that is at stake, but also India's. I am absolutely
convinced that the BJP's strong and resolute leadership in the state will help
transform this geopolitically critical state into an example of modern revival.