In his first visit to Punjab since the January 5 security lapse controversy in Ferozpur, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured the people at an election rally here that if NDA is voted to power it will end the drug menace affecting the youth and ensure security of the border state.

He slammed Congress, especially the Nehru-Gandhi family, for trying to “remote-control” Captain Amarinder Singh’s government. Without naming AAP, Modi said the party had sought proof after the surgical strike and is promoting consumption of liquor by opening shops in “every gully” of Delhi while promising to combat drugs in Punjab.

Reaching out to the sizable Ravidassia voters in the area, the prime minister began his speech with the slogan “Jai Bheem”. He also referred to Ravidas Jayanti today and said several Ravidassias from the region go to his constituency Kashi (Varanasi). He said while the Kashi Vishwanath temple area has been renovated, a grand temple of Sant Ravidas is also being constructed in the vicinity.

In an oblique reference to the January 5 incident when he had to return without addressing a rally at Hussainiwala, Modi said he wanted to visit the Tripurmalini Mata temple here after the public meeting but the administration said it cannot provide security.

“The administration put its hands up and said it cannot make the arrangements and I will have to return by helicopter,” Modi said.

The prime minister raised the issue of national security and its significance in the state that shares a 600km long border with Pakistan. He paid homage to the Pulwama attack martyrs on the third anniversary of the incident.

Attacking Congress and AAP, Modi said leaders of these parties call our soldiers “goondas” and seek proof of surgical strike. He said peace and security were essential for the keeping the country intact.“The state needs a government which is serious about security,” he said.

He said his government formed an SIT to ensure those guilty of 1984 anti-Sikh riots in Delhi were punished, Congress had given high posts to its leaders involved in the killings.

“Till the reins of Congress are in the hands o that family, there will be no progress,” the prime minister said. He also attacked Priyanka Gandhi without naming her, saying national leaders of Congress from Delhi have alleged that Captain Amarinder’s government was being run by the Centre.

“Congress statements show their governments are run by remote control,” he said, adding that Captain was only respecting the principles of federalism.

“His government was working with the Centre for progress of the state but they created hurdles,” he said. The prime minister said Congress is disintegrated and its leaders are fighting among themselves.

Modi said AAP is engaged in “jhoot ka khel (game of false propaganda)” in the election campaign. “While they make promises of making Punjab ‘nasha-mukt (free from drugs) they are experts in opening liquor shops in every gully (in Delhi),” he said.