'Drug peddling allegations have embarrassed BJP'

Phagwara: With allegations of drug peddling flying thick during infighting within the Phagwara unit of the BJP, local MLA and chief parliamentary secretary Som Parkash has admitted that the accusations levelled by a party office bearer about drug peddling by a BJP leader has embarrassed the party. He added that those opposing him were using state BJP president Vijay Sampla's name and indulging in propaganda that his nephew Ashu Sampla would be the next candidate from Phagwara.
"Vijay Sampla has to look into who is damaging the party and how they are doing it. The allegations that a BJP leader was involved in drug peddling have not just damaged us but we will also have to face embarrassment before the people," Som Parkash said.
It may be mentioned here that Kapurthala district BJP general secretary Gurdeep Singh Deepa had earlier alleged in the presence of some BJP leaders, including party councillor Om Parkash Bittu, that a leader close to the MLA was involved in drug peddling. "He should have got the leader arrested. If he can expose the said party members with specifics, we shall honour Deepa but his vague allegations have damaged the party," said Som Parkash while speaking to TOI here on Wednesday. "I have been very clear on the drugs issue and I have even told the police officials to have zero tolerance towards peddlers irrespective of their political affiliations though I knew that those with vested interests would turn against me," he claimed.
It may be mentioned here that both Deepa and Bittu were earlier protégés of Som Parkash.
The chief parliamentary secretary said those opposing him had used Sampla's name after circulating photos of their meeting with him and were claiming that he would not get a ticket in 2017. "I have told Sampla that after meeting him, these leaders had indulged in such propaganda. The state party president has to ensure discipline," he said.
He also indicated that the local leaders were speaking out at the behest of some senior leader. "Those who were earlier with me are now joining hands with those who had earlier opposed me in 2012 assembly election. All sorts of rumours, including that I will be contesting from Phillaur and Ashu Sampla would be contesting from Phagwara, are being circulated. I am not going anywhere. I will contest from Phagwara, the constituency that I have nurtured well," he said.