From ‘Udta Punjab’ to ‘Badalta Punjab’: Kejriwal Declares Full-Scale War Against Drugs
“Even if we die, drugs must end,” says Kejriwal as AAP intensifies ground-level campaign against drug menace
नशे के खिलाफ़ पूरा पंजाब एकजुट है। नवांशहर से आज ‘युद्ध, नशे के विरुद्ध’ यात्रा की शुरुआत हो रही है। ये सिर्फ़ एक यात्रा नहीं, बल्कि पंजाब को नशामुक्त बनाने की जनक्रांति है। https://t.co/xxF4SkhJAo
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 16, 2025
In a powerful and emotionally charged address at Langroya (SBS Nagar), AAP National Convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal declared an intensified, people-powered war against drugs in Punjab. Recounting the state’s painful past with drug abuse and affirming its ongoing transformation, Kejriwal boldly claimed, “From ‘Udta Punjab’ to ‘Badalta Punjab’—this is a fight we cannot afford to lose.”
Kejriwal announced that the Yudh Nasheyan Virudh (War Against Drugs) will now reach every street and village in Punjab, turning a government initiative into a full-fledged mass movement. “We are taking this fight to the grassroots,” he said. “This battle isn’t just political—it’s personal for every Punjabi.”
Drug Hotspots Now Turning Drug-Free
तरनतारन में कल 85 किलो हेरोइन ज़ब्त हुई। पिछले ढाई महीने में 10,000 से ज़्यादा तस्कर गिरफ्तार किए गए, जिनमें 8,500 बड़े तस्कर थे।
हमने पंजाब को नशा मुक्त बनाने का वादा किया था, हम अपना काम कर रहे हैं, और जरूरत पड़ी तो जान भी हाजिर है। तस्करों की संपत्तियों पर अब बुलडोजर चल रहा… pic.twitter.com/mPIJoO8AGe
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 16, 2025
Applauding Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s leadership, Kejriwal highlighted the transformation underway in areas once synonymous with drug abuse. “Villages that were once drug hubs are now becoming drug-free zones,” he noted, attributing the turnaround to relentless government action and growing public support.
The former Delhi CM didn’t mince words when referring to the past. “Earlier, ministers used to protect drug mafias—some even supplied drugs in official vehicles. Today, the situation is entirely different. The Punjab Police are seizing drugs by the quintal, and over 10,000 smugglers have been arrested, including 8,500 major offenders.”
‘We May Die, But Drugs Must End’
In a striking declaration of resolve, Kejriwal said, “These smugglers are dangerous criminals, but we are not afraid. Even if we have to sacrifice our lives, we will end this poison.” He called upon Punjabis to stand shoulder to shoulder with the AAP government in this fight, emphasizing that “no power in the world” can stop the 3-crore people of Punjab from winning this war.
Youth Trading Syringes for Stadiums
पंजाब सरकार ने अब तक 55,000 से ज़्यादा युवाओं को सरकारी नौकरियाँ दी हैं और अब और भी नौकरियों का रास्ता खोल रहे हैं।
खेलकूद, रोज़गार और बेहतर माहौल—अब पंजाब के नौजवानों के पास तरक्की के सारे रास्ते हैं। मुझे पूरा विश्वास है, अब हमारे बच्चे नशे का शिकार नहीं होंगे। pic.twitter.com/Tm8he0iN6W
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 16, 2025
To ensure a lasting shift, Kejriwal unveiled plans aimed at reshaping the future of Punjab’s youth. “We are building stadiums in every village and 3,000 gyms in larger villages to promote fitness and sports,” he said. “We want to replace drugs with dreams, and syringes with sports equipment.”
He also pointed out the employment boost under Mann’s leadership, sharing that 54,000 jobs have already been provided, with more comprehensive plans underway to ensure every youth in Punjab has a path forward.
Property Seizures and Public Support: The Next Phase
Kejriwal further revealed that the government has already begun confiscating properties of major drug traffickers—a move that sends a strong message across the state. The campaign is evolving rapidly, now hinging on widespread public involvement. “This isn’t just a government mission anymore; it’s becoming a people’s movement,” he said. “We will visit all 13,000 villages and connect directly with the people.”