From ‘Udta Punjab' to ‘Badalta Punjab': Arvind Kejriwal, Bhagwant Mann vow to end drug menace at grassroots level
In a renewed push to make Punjab completely drug-free, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Friday announced that the war against drugs would now be fought at the village and street level, with the active involvement of the people. He said the AAP government had broken the backbone of the drug network and the day was not far when Punjab would emerge both drug-free and as a frontrunner among Indian states.
Addressing a public gathering, Kejriwal lauded the Bhagwant Mann-led state government for the success of its campaign 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh'. He said that villages once known as drug hotspots were now transforming into drug-free zones, thanks to sustained efforts on the ground. 'Earlier, Bollywood made films about Punjab's drug problem. Today, youth from those very villages are excelling in sports,' he said.
Kejriwal contrasted the present with previous regimes, alleging that earlier ministers had protected and even facilitated drug lords. 'Drugs were sold in government vehicles,' he claimed. 'Now, police are seizing narcotics by the quintal, and taking strict action. Over 10,000 drug smugglers have been arrested, including 8,500 'big fish'.'
He said the fight against drugs came with personal risk. 'Drug smugglers are dreaded criminals, but we have taken action without fear. Even if we die, we will not let drugs survive in Punjab.
The AAP leader added that the properties of drug traffickers were being confiscated and destroyed. With Yudh Nasheyan Virudh now becoming a mass movement, he called on people to join the fight. 'This campaign will reach all 13,000 villages of Punjab. Ground-level interactions will be held across the state.'
Kejriwal also announced that to channel the energy of the youth, a stadium would be built in every village and 3,000 gyms would be constructed in larger villages to promote sports. He added that 54,000 government jobs were already given to youths and the government was working on a plan to ensure employment in every village.
Later in the day, Kejriwal and Mann jointly launched the Nasha Mukti Yatra from Langroya village in Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar district — a symbolic move in the state's anti-drug campaign. Langroya, which has declared itself drug-free, was hailed by Mann as a model for other villages.
Administering an oath to residents to stay drug-free and support others in rehabilitation, Mann said that wiping out the drug menace required collective effort. Under the campaign, gram sabhas are being organised in 351 villages daily — three per Assembly constituency — to raise awareness, encourage the use of de-addiction centres, and aid rehabilitation.
The chief minister said the state government had taken time to build a thorough strategy. 'We have disrupted supply chains, arrested major traffickers, rehabilitated victims, and seized drug-related assets,' he said. 'Langroya's success must be replicated across the state.'
Mann praised the strong participation of women at the event, calling it a hopeful sign. 'When women rise against a menace, its end is inevitable,' he said. 'The day is not far when Punjab will be completely drug-free.'
Touching on wider developmental goals, Mann said the government was committed to improving education and health infrastructure. 'Earlier, sending children to government schools was a compulsion; now it's a choice,' he said, pointing to the establishment of Schools of Eminence across the state.
He also said that Punjab needed to retain its water to meet the demands of the upcoming paddy season. Referring to the SYL canal issue, Mann reiterated that Punjab did not have a drop of water to spare. 'Previous governments gave away our resources for personal gain. We are here to protect them.'
Asserting that the youth are now active partners in the state's development, Mann said, 'All 54,000 jobs have been given purely on merit. No bribes, no nepotism.'
He concluded by urging all Punjabis to walk in the footsteps of the state's great gurus, saints, and martyrs. 'They taught us to fight injustice. This crusade against drugs is our way of honouring their legacy.'
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