Moga: At the Village Defence Committee (VDC) oath ceremony in Moga, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan and AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal delivered a strong message on the state’s anti-drug campaign, ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’, asserting that previous governments had allowed the drug menace to flourish, while the present dispensation is taking decisive action to eradicate it.
Addressing the gathering, Kejriwal said that for the first time in Punjab’s history, a government is acting firmly against drug traffickers instead of shielding them. He cited the seizure of over 2,000 kilograms of narcotics, the arrest of major smugglers and the demolition of properties built through drug money as evidence of the campaign’s impact. He warned that bringing back former regimes would risk pushing Punjab back into the grip of narcotics.
Bhagwant Maan reiterated that the campaign reflects AAP’s resolve to wipe out the stain of ‘chitta’ from Punjab. He said the state government has adopted a multi-pronged strategy that combines strict enforcement with preventive measures such as promoting sports infrastructure in villages and generating employment opportunities to steer youth away from addiction.
Kejriwal Says Public Trust Growing as Fear Fades Amid Sustained Anti-Drug Action
Kejriwal noted that when the campaign began a year ago, people were hesitant to come forward due to fear and mistrust created during previous regimes. However, he claimed that sustained police action over the past year has restored public confidence. Large public participation in the movement, he said, shows that fear is receding and people are increasingly willing to cooperate with authorities.
Explaining the role of Village Defence Committees, Kejriwal said these bodies have been formed in villages and urban wards, comprising respected members of the community such as retired teachers, ex-servicemen, youth representatives and local leaders. Their primary responsibilities include identifying and reporting drug peddlers and helping individuals struggling with addiction access treatment and rehabilitation.
To address safety concerns, he highlighted the introduction of a mobile application through which VDC members can confidentially submit information about drug activity. He assured that identities of informants would remain protected and that all reports are directly monitored by the Chief Minister’s Office for prompt action.
ਅੱਜ ਮੋਗਾ ਦੇ ਕਿੱਲੀ ਚਾਹਲਾਂ ਵਿਖੇ ‘ਯੁੱਧ ਨਸ਼ਿਆਂ ਵਿਰੁੱਧ 2.0’ ਤਹਿਤ ਮਹਾ ਰੈਲੀ ‘ਚ CM ਭਗਵੰਤ ਮਾਨ, ‘ਆਪ’ ਦੇ ਕੌਮੀ ਕਨਵੀਨਰ ਅਰਵਿੰਦ ਕੇਜਰੀਵਾਲ ਤੇ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਪ੍ਰਭਾਰੀ ਮਨੀਸ਼ ਸਿਸੋਦੀਆ ਸਣੇ ਪੂਰੀ ‘ਆਪ’ ਪੰਜਾਬ ਲੀਡਰਸ਼ਿਪ ਨੇ ਹਿੱਸਾ ਲਿਆ। ਇਸ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੌਰਾਨ ਲੋਕਾਂ ਦੇ ਠਾਠਾਂ ਮਾਰਦੇ ਇਕੱਠ ਨੂੰ CM ਮਾਨ ਨੇ ਨਸ਼ਾ ਮੁਕਤੀ ਦੀ ਸਹੁੰ… pic.twitter.com/HnPiL5eOs0
— AAP Punjab (@AAPPunjab) February 16, 2026
Calling for wider participation, Kejriwal urged communities to expand VDC membership and involve entire villages in the anti-drug mission. He stressed that collective action at the grassroots level would make it impossible for drug sellers to operate.
Speaking about rehabilitation and youth engagement, he said the state government is developing sports grounds in villages and providing sports equipment to encourage young people to pursue healthy activities. He also pointed to the creation of thousands of government jobs, asserting that employment opportunities are key to preventing relapse among rehabilitated youth.
Chief Minister Bhagwant Maan said that anti-Punjab forces had allowed drugs to spread in the past, damaging the state’s image and affecting countless families. He stated that the current government has disrupted supply chains, confiscated properties of smugglers and ensured their imprisonment. According to him, the ongoing movement has forced many traffickers to flee the state.
Bhagwant Mann Highlights Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, Warns Against Misinformation on Welfare Schemes
Bhagwant Maan also spoke about broader welfare initiatives, including the Mukh Mantri Sehat Yojna, which offers cashless medical treatment up to ₹10 lakh per family. He described it as a pioneering healthcare initiative aimed at reducing financial burdens and ensuring universal access to quality treatment. The Chief Minister cautioned against misinformation being spread about government schemes, urging people to remain vigilant.
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Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, who was present at the event, said that thousands of drug smugglers have been jailed under the campaign and that the second phase of ‘Yudh Nashean Virudh’ will further intensify efforts to eliminate the drug menace. He emphasised that Village Defence Committees would play a crucial role in sustaining the movement with the support of police and civil administration.
The event concluded with Kejriwal and Bhagwant Maan administering an oath to participants, reaffirming the collective commitment to building a drug-free and prosperous Punjab. Several cabinet ministers, legislators and party leaders were also in attendance.