Jalalpur (Hoshiarpur), May 17, 2025 — In a powerful joint address, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal urged the people of Punjab to come together beyond political lines in a resolute fight against the state’s drug menace. The appeal came during a public oath-taking ceremony at Jalalpur in Hoshiarpur, as part of the ongoing anti-drug initiative ‘Yudh Nasheyan Virudh’.
Chief Minister Mann minced no words in blaming previous governments for allowing the drug crisis to fester in Punjab. “The drug problem is not just a social issue, it is a dark legacy handed down to us by those who chose power over the people,” Mann said. “For two years, we have worked tirelessly to dismantle this network—snapping supply chains, arresting kingpins, rehabilitating victims, and seizing assets of drug lords.”
He stated that the campaign was no longer a government initiative but had now transformed into a people’s movement. “With mass participation, particularly of women and youth, Punjab will defeat this curse,” Mann declared. “When entire villages, like the one here in Hoshiarpur, declare themselves drug-free, it’s proof of what we can achieve when people and police work together.”
Kejriwal, too, emphasized the need for a united front. “This is not an AAP campaign. This is Punjab’s campaign. No matter your party, if you love Punjab, stand with us against drugs,” he said. He praised the state government’s efforts and called for every citizen to treat this mission as personal.
Mann pointed out that the ‘bulldozer justice’ being used against drug smugglers—demolishing properties acquired through illegal trade—will continue aggressively. “We started this campaign in the villages, and we’ll end it in every lane and locality where drugs are sold,” he added.
The Chief Minister also took sharp digs at opposition leaders, accusing them of enriching themselves at the cost of Punjab’s youth. “Those who once had gold taps in their homes and diverted canal water for their private farms are now begging for bail,” he said, referring to leaders of the previous Akali Dal and Congress governments. “They patronized corruption and nurtured the drug trade. Today, they are facing the consequences.”
Striking an emotional chord, Mann recalled the sacrifices and teachings of Punjab’s Gurus, saints, and martyrs, asserting that the battle against drugs is a continuation of their legacy. “Every inch of Punjab bears witness to resistance against tyranny. This is another chapter in that history,” he said.
He highlighted the efforts made by his administration in securing the future of Punjab’s youth. “More than 54,000 government jobs have already been given out purely on merit. We are empowering the next generation to build a stronger, drug-free Punjab,” he said.
Mann also reaffirmed his government’s firm stance against the diversion of Punjab’s waters, saying he would never allow BBMB or the Haryana government to rob Punjab in the name of politics. “This state has no water to spare—not one drop,” he declared. “As paddy season approaches and we have upgraded our canal systems, Punjab’s own needs must come first.”
The Chief Minister praised the high literacy and rich heritage of Hoshiarpur, calling it a fitting place for the movement to gain momentum. “This district gave us Punjab University after independence. Today, it’s giving us a roadmap to a drug-free Punjab,” he said.
Concluding on a personal note, Mann reassured the people that he and his government are here not to amass wealth or enjoy power, but to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with citizens, sharing in their struggles and hopes. “Our mission to create a Rangla Punjab will continue till my last breath,” he said.
