Bathinda, Sept. 21 -- Union Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday expressed concern over the drug menace in Punjab, alleging that the state was being "devastated by drugs" and that the drug mafia and its associates were enjoying government protection.

Speaking to ANI during his Punjab visit, Chouhan said, "It is painful to see Punjab heading towards ruin due to the menace of drugs... We must save Punjab from this drug menace. This state-which has the potential to be the best in the world-is being devastated by drugs, while the drug mafia and their associates enjoy government protection."

Citing his experience as the former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Chouhan said strong political will was needed ...