Cautiously overseeing poll, BJP to launch ‘drug-free’ drive in Punjab amid row over Dalit villager’s death

BJP state president Kewal Singh Dhillon said the yatras would cover all 117 assembly constituencies and turn the fight against drugs into a mass movement. File | Photo credit: ANI

In view of the 2027 assembly polls, 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.

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

The campaign comes on the heels of a row that erupted following the alleged suicide of a Dalit villager who was allegedly under pressure to apologize for questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the supply of “chitta (synthetic drug)” in the state.

Mr. Dhillon claimed that Punjab was facing three major challenges – growing drug menace, deteriorating law and order situation and corruption. “Liver is not just an anti-drug awareness campaign, but an attempt to counter the serious threat it poses to Punjabis, our culture, values and proud identity of the land of Gurus. The drug crisis is tearing families apart, pushing the Punjabi youth, traditionally known for their contribution to the armed forces, sports and heavy nation-building, to violence and indebtedness to their families and financial activities related to the sale of land and property to treatment,” he said.

Mr. Dhillon said BJP president Nitin Nabin will announce the first yatra on September 18 from Pathankot district. This 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 sought an opportunity to form the next government and promised that the BJP would free the state from the scourge of drugs within two years.

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Published – 12 Sep 2026 02:42 IST