‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ Gains Momentum: Punjab Gears Up for Statewide Anti-Drug Drive from May 7

National Times Bureau, May 4, 2025: Punjab Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema declared that the state’s fight against drugs under the ‘Yudh Nashian Virudh’ campaign has entered a decisive phase, with widespread public support backing the government’s zero-tolerance approach.

Speaking alongside Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh at a key meeting with Village and Ward Defense Committees in Patiala on May 4, Cheema emphasized the unified resolve to dismantle drug networks across the state. He credited Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership for reversing the damage caused by previous administrations. “The Akali-BJP sowed the seeds of drugs, Congress watered them, and now we are uprooting them,” he stated.

Cheema administered an anti-drug oath to a large gathering and urged citizens to help make Punjab the first drug-free state in India. He also hailed Mann’s strong stand on Punjab’s water rights, contrasting it with alleged past compromises by the Badals and Captain Amarinder Singh.

Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh announced that Patiala could become the first district to be fully drug-free. He revealed plans to triple the capacity of government-run de-addiction centers, upgrade them into model institutions, and launch skill development centers for recovering addicts. He further announced a door-to-door anti-drug campaign across all villages starting May 7, led by MLAs and local leaders.

Senior AAP leaders including Bram Shankar Jimpa, Jagdeep Singh Jagga, and DIG Dr. Nanak Singh called for a social boycott of drug traffickers and urged citizens to share information via the Safe Punjab WhatsApp number: 9779100200.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Preeti Yadav affirmed full administrative support to the campaign, highlighting the roles of Village and Ward Defense Committees in sustaining grassroots vigilance.

The event witnessed participation from several MLAs, party leaders, local officials, and community representatives, marking a powerful show of unity in Punjab’s battle against drugs.