With unprecedented public support and political resolve, AAP’s Punjab government has embarked on a decisive battle against the drug menace. Launching the statewide ‘Yudh Nashe Ke Virudh Yatra’ from Punjab’s Nawanshahr, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, flanked by Punjab CM Bhagwant Man, declared that the era of ‘Udta Punjab’ is over — and a ‘Badalta Punjab’ is taking shape. “We’re ready to lay down our lives to eradicate drugs,” he thundered, standing shoulder-to-shoulder with CM Bhagwant Mann in a clarion call to cleanse the state.
In just the past 2.5 months, the AAP-led government has arrested 10,000 drug peddlers — including 8,500 major traffickers — in what Arvind Kejriwal called the “largest crackdown in Punjab’s history.” The campaign is not just about arrests, but about transformation: Arvind Kejriwal appealed to citizens not to bail out drug dealers, and instead help addicts access rehabilitation in the Jalandhar Yatra.
Launching the ‘Yudh Nashe Ke Virudh’ campaign from Nawanshahr, AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal declared, “A fierce war has been raging against drugs across Punjab in recent months. Today, upon arriving in Languwa village, I was delighted to learn that the entire village has become drug-free. This is a remarkable achievement. The village sarpanch confirmed that 99% of the drug problem has been eradicated — only the root remains. We are now committed to uprooting even the seeds of addiction. There will be no trace of drugs left anywhere in Punjab.”
Reflecting on Punjab’s journey, the AAP Supremo said, “AAP contested the Punjab elections in 2017 and again in 2022, when the people blessed us with a historic mandate. For the past decade, I have been visiting Punjab and asking: where did this drug menace come from? Previous regimes sullied Punjab’s name with drug scandals. Films like ‘Udta Punjab’ portrayed the state’s decline. Once a golden land, Punjab turned into brass. It was once the number one state in India. Now it ranks 17th or 18th.”
He strongly indicted the former ruling parties, stating, “Ministers in previous governments not only supported drug traffickers but were traffickers themselves, distributing narcotics in their official vehicles. Such governments could never have delivered Punjab from this crisis.”
Arvind Kejriwal emphasized the integrity of the current administration, saying, “Today, Punjab has an honest government. No minister engages in drug trafficking or is complicit with dealers. The AAP government confronts drug traffickers head-on, putting major players behind bars. Just this Thursday, 85 kilograms of heroin were seized in Tarn Taran — an unprecedented crackdown. In the past two and a half months, over 10,000 drug traffickers have been arrested, of which 8,500 are major operators. No previous government has dared act at this scale.”
The AAP Chief recounted the risks they were warned of, but remained resolute: “Many advised us not to take on drug traffickers, warning it could be deadly. But we made a promise to the people during the election — we will eliminate drugs from Punjab. These traffickers made fortunes and built mansions; today, we are bulldozing those very houses. People are shocked and emotional — they never imagined a day would come when traffickers would face such consequences.”
Calling for mass participation, he added, “If Punjab’s 3 crore citizens join this campaign, no force can stop us from eliminating drugs. The traffickers are only a few thousand. If the people unite and resolve to drive them out, not one will remain.”
Launching the grassroots campaign, Arvind Kejriwal announced: “Starting today, we are transforming this war into a people’s movement. We will visit all 13,000 villages and urban wards over the next 45 days, mobilising citizens and urging them to take a pledge against drugs. Every village must take ownership of this mission. Police will support the effort. No one will post bail for a drug seller, and no one should support them. Addicts will be rehabilitated.”
He highlighted infrastructure efforts: “The Punjab government has established numerous de-addiction clinics and rehab centres. Conditions in these facilities have drastically improved — they are now air-conditioned, clean, and safe. Patients were once chained and abused; now they are treated with dignity. Over the next year, we will build a sports ground in every village and gyms in 3,000 major villages, to keep the youth engaged and away from addiction.”
On the employment front, Arvind Kejriwal said, “The AAP government has already provided 55,000 government jobs. Earlier, jobs were only given through bribes and recommendations. Today, merit is the only criterion — even the poorest of the poor are getting opportunities. Employment schemes for every village are in the pipeline. It took us 2.5 years to develop a strategy, and now, our children will no longer fall into addiction. It is heartening to see people praising officers, where earlier complaints were the norm.”
Government Working in a Planned Manner to End Drug Menace in Punjab: Bhagwant Mann
Meanwhile, Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann called the campaign a moment of pride for Punjab. “In the 2022 elections, AAP promised a drug-free Punjab. While the opposition doubted us, we prepared a comprehensive plan to begin this war. We studied the supply chain for two and a half years to identify how to sever it. Once the supply was interrupted, we set up OOAT (Outpatient Opioid Assisted Treatment) clinics and rehab centres for those struggling with addiction. The number of beds in these centres is increasing, and facilities like sports are being introduced.”
Condemning past abuses, he added, “Previously, these centres tortured patients — that will no longer be tolerated. Addicted youth will now receive skill training and be encouraged to take up sports. Those with educational qualifications will be given jobs to help divert their focus from addiction. All of this is being executed in a structured, phased manner.”
Punjabis Finish What They Start: Bhagwant Mann
Calling for community support, the Punjab CM said, “To make this movement a success, we need everyone’s cooperation. Village panchayats must pass resolutions declaring themselves drug-free. Gurudwaras are making public announcements to socially boycott drug dealers. NGOs and religious groups are joining this mission.”
He added, “When Punjabis decide to root out an evil, they leave no stone unturned. We will make Punjab ‘rangla’ again — full of wrestling, gidda, bhangra, and young men joining the armed forces. Punjab is the land of gurus and martyrs. When youth from the district of Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh fall into drugs at 23, it must torment the soul of our martyrs.”
Women Bear the Brunt of Addiction: Bhagwant Mann
Highlighting the disproportionate impact of addiction on women, Mann stated, “Whether it’s a son, husband, or father — it is the women of the house who suffer most. The presence of so many women at today’s event shows their determination to keep their households running and turn their children into officers.”
He underscored the AAP government’s education reforms: “We are transforming government schools. Earlier, they were neglected — now, Schools of Eminence are being built, and admission is becoming competitive. Delhi’s model under Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia is now being replicated in Punjab.”
Focusing on girls’ education, Bhagwant Mann said, “Many girls were held back due to social pressures. To address this, we launched Schools on Wheels, which have already enabled 10,000 girls to attend school. These buses are equipped with GPS and mobile apps so parents can track them in real time.”
Empowered Women, Revived Institutions, and Unyielding Resolve: Punjab Government Charts a Bold, Inclusive Future: Bhagwant Mann
The Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann emphasized that women’s empowerment is essential to creating an equitable society and ensuring broader welfare for both the state and its people. He said that Punjabis are global citizens who have carved a distinct identity across the world. Given the opportunity, hardworking and energetic Punjabis are now excelling in every field. With people’s active support and participation, the state government is committed to building a ‘Rangla Punjab’. The war against drugs, he added, is a central pillar of this transformation.
Highlighting a shift from the past, Bhagwant Mann said, “Unlike earlier governments that compromised Punjab’s interests, our administration is focused squarely on the state’s development and prosperity.” He emphasized that former leaders were afraid to meet the people, while the current government actively engages with citizens to seek their feedback and incorporate it into governance. The state aims to make the public an active participant in Punjab’s socio-economic advancement, taking every possible measure to protect and promote their interests.
Citing a concrete example, the Punjab CM asserted that the Punjab Government took a firm stand against attempts by the Centre, BBMB, and the Haryana Government to illegally divert Punjab’s water. “Earlier leaders allowed Punjab’s water to be stolen for their personal gains. But as custodians of our state’s water, we will never allow this to happen,” Mann said. He pointed out that Punjab has upgraded its canal system to ensure that the needs of farmers—especially with the paddy season approaching—are met. “Punjab does not have a single drop of water to spare for other states,” he declared unequivocally.
The Chief Minister further stated that the government is making concrete efforts to revitalise the state’s health and education systems. In the past, sending one’s child to a government school was seen as a compulsion. “Now, because of the transformation underway, people are choosing to enrol their children in government schools out of trust and pride,” he said. To ensure quality education, the government has established Schools of Eminence across the state.
Reaffirming the administration’s commitment to social welfare, especially for the youth, Mann said the state government will leave no stone unturned. Students are being provided support to prepare for competitive exams, and their recent academic achievements are already bearing testimony to these efforts.
Bhagwant Mann concluded by reiterating the government’s focus on inclusive development and the wellbeing of all citizens. “It is a matter of great pride and satisfaction that over 54,000 government jobs have already been provided to the state’s youth,” he said. All these jobs, he stressed, have been awarded solely on merit, without any corruption or nepotism. “This marks a significant step towards making our youth active stakeholders in Punjab’s socio-economic growth,” he said.
