Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann officially inaugurated the second phase of the state's flagship anti-drug initiative, 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh,' on Wednesday. The launch event was held at the Lovely Professional University campus in Phagwara, marking a significant escalation in the government's war against narcotics.
Unprecedented Results and a Pledge to End the Menace
Addressing a large gathering of students and citizens, Arvind Kejriwal presented a detailed account of the campaign's first phase. He asserted that the AAP government's efforts had yielded concrete outcomes never seen before in Punjab or any other Indian state. The Delhi Chief Minister highlighted large-scale actions against drug traffickers, significantly improved conviction rates, and a notable surge in public participation as key achievements.
"The honesty, hard work, and determination with which it was implemented was unprecedented," Kejriwal stated. He contrasted Punjab's proactive stance with other states, noting, "Drugs are sold openly in many states, including Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, but the governments there simply do not care."
Taking Aim at Previous Administrations
In a sharp political critique, Kejriwal blamed previous regimes for the depth of Punjab's drug crisis. He accused the erstwhile Shiromani Akali Dal government of allowing drugs to permeate every lane and household, a situation so grave it inspired the film 'Udta Punjab.' He further claimed that senior personalities from that era were directly involved in the drug trade.
The AAP supremo also dismissed the promises of the previous Congress government under Captain Amarinder Singh. "He took an oath on the Gutka Sahib to eliminate drugs in 30 or 60 days. His government lasted five years and nothing was done. Those were false oaths," Kejriwal alleged.
A Courageous Crackdown and a Mass Movement
Kejriwal emphasized that his government took time to prepare a robust strategy before launching an intense crackdown starting March 1 last year. He proudly cited arrest figures and claimed a major victory in jailing Punjab's "biggest trafficker," a figure whose name allegedly instilled fear in the administration and police. "No one earlier had the courage even to take his name, let alone send him to jail," he declared.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann framed the fight as a social movement rather than just a law-and-order issue. "The enthusiasm of the people shows we are very close to winning this war. Drugs are not just a crime; they are a social problem," Mann said. He expressed frustration over Punjab being singled out for defamation despite drug recoveries in other states, calling it part of a conspiracy.
Mann outlined the campaign's compassionate side, stressing that drug addicts are victims who need sympathy and treatment. He assured that the government is implementing a comprehensive, multi-dimensional rehabilitation strategy. "This campaign will continue until Punjab is completely free from drugs," the Chief Minister vowed, asserting that the results of 'Yudh Nasheyan Virudh' would soon be visible on the ground. Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia also addressed the gathering at LPU.
