With eye on poll, BJP to begin ‘drug-free Punjab’ drive amid row over Dalit villager’s death

With an eye on the 2027 Assembly poll, the BJP on Friday (September 11, 2026) announced the launch of ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatras’ from September 18 to “highlight the drug menace” in the State.

State BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon said the yatras will cover all 117 Assembly constituencies and turn the fight against drugs into a mass movement. He was addressing a press conference along with party national vice-president Manpreet Badal and former State chief Sunil Jakhar.

The campaign comes close on the heels of a row that erupted following the alleged death by suicide of a Dalit villager, who was reportedly under pressure to apologise for questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the supply of ‘chitta (synthetic drugs)’ in the State.

Mr. Dhillon alleged that three major challenges are confronting Punjab – growing drugs menace, deteriorating law and order situation, and corruption. “The yatras are not merely an anti-drug awareness campaign, but an attempt to confront the grave threat that it poses to Punjabiyat, our culture, values and the proud identity of the land of the gurus. The drug crisis is tearing families apart, pushing Punjab’s youth, traditionally known for their contribution to the armed forces, sports and nation-building, towards violence and gang-related activities. It is also imposing a heavy financial burden on families forced into debt or to sell their land and assets for treatment,” he said.

Mr. Dhillon said BJP president Nitin Nabin will flag off the first yatra on September 18 from Pathankot district. It will be followed by marches from Fatehgarh Sahib (September 19), Fazilka (September 20) and Talwandi Sabo (September 21).

In March, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had sought a chance to form the next government, promising that the BJP will free the State from the scourge of drugs within two years.

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