BJP Intensifies Anti-Drug Campaign in Punjab as Shivraj Singh Chouhan Flags Off Nasha Mukt Yatra

Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Monday flagged off the Bharatiya Janata Party’s fourth ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’ from Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district and asserted that a BJP government in Punjab would dismantle the state’s drug supply chain, trafficking networks and related criminal infrastructure within six months of coming to power.
Addressing a public gathering after launching the yatra, Chouhan said no individual involved in the narcotics trade would be spared. He stated that he had come to Punjab with what he described as a direct message from Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the fight against drugs.
Before the start of the campaign, the Union Minister paid obeisance at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib. Later, while addressing a rally at the Talwandi Sabo grain market, he sharply criticised Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, alleging attempts were made to obstruct the event. Challenging the state government, Chouhan said he would continue visiting Punjab and dared anyone to stop him.
Referring to the legacy of Guru Gobind Singh and Shaheed Bhagat Singh, Chouhan expressed concern over the law-and-order situation in the state. He claimed that young people between the ages of 18 and 27 were falling victim to drug abuse and said even police officers were not completely secure. Drawing a comparison with the BJP-led government in Uttar Pradesh, he maintained that the party delivers on its promises through firm action.
BJP Leaders Raise Drug Issue During Rally
Several senior BJP leaders addressed the gathering, including Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon, national vice-president Manpreet Singh Badal, former state BJP chief Sunil Jakhar, and Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu.
The speakers referred to issues concerning Mohanjit Singh Sheron and Gulzar Singh from Sangrur district, alleging that individuals raising their voice against the drug mafia were being harassed by the police.
Sunil Jakhar also launched a sharp attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, describing him as a “puppet.” Meanwhile, Manpreet Singh Badal argued that if the Central Government could curb militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, it was also capable of eliminating the drug mafia in Punjab.
Call for Joint Action Against Drug Menace
Rajya Sabha MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney stressed the need for a coordinated strategy between the Centre and the Punjab Government to tackle the drug problem. He called for greater focus on youth rehabilitation, crop diversification and immediate action against extortion networks.
A number of other BJP leaders and dignitaries were also present at the event, including Satish Poonia, Tarun Chugh, Rajinder Gupta, Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi, H.S. Phoolka, and several party workers and supporters.
The yatra forms part of the BJP’s ongoing campaign against drug abuse in Punjab, with the party seeking to highlight the issue as a major political and social concern in the state.