Kejriwal’s ‘Badalta Punjab’ Vision Turns Drug Hotspots into Drug-Free Zones
Grassroots Campaign Gains Momentum as AAP Government Combines Policing with Rehabilitation, Employment & Sports
Chandigarh, May 16, 2025 — In a decisive push to eradicate drug abuse from Punjab, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal has announced a comprehensive grassroots campaign that aims to convert Punjab’s infamous drug hotspots into drug-free zones. Under the banner of “Yudh Nasheyan Virudh” (War Against Drugs), the initiative is fast turning into a mass movement, blending community participation, law enforcement, rehabilitation, and youth empowerment.
Speaking at Langroya village in SBS Nagar, Kejriwal commended the Bhagwant Mann-led state government for dismantling drug networks and restoring hope in communities long plagued by addiction.
“From being known as ‘Udta Punjab’, we are now seeing a ‘Badalta Punjab’ where young people are trading syringes for sports, and drugs for dreams,” Kejriwal said, addressing a packed crowd.
Mass Movement Against Drugs: Ground-Level Action
The Nasha Mukti Yatra, a core component of the anti-drug campaign, will visit every one of Punjab’s 13,000 villages, aiming to raise awareness and mobilize public support. Kejriwal emphasized that this war against drugs must become a people’s movement, extending from streets to stadiums, and classrooms to courtrooms.
“We may lose our lives in this fight, but we will not rest until Punjab is completely drug-free,” he asserted.
The campaign’s focus is not just on punishing traffickers, but on rehabilitating users, providing jobs, and re-engaging youth in productive activities like sports and skill-building.
Law Enforcement Success: 10,000 Arrests, Big Fishes Caught
In stark contrast to previous administrations, which Kejriwal accused of shielding drug mafias, the AAP government has taken firm action. Over 10,000 drug smugglers have been arrested, including 8,500 major players, Kejriwal revealed.
The campaign has also seen the confiscation of drug lords’ properties, and large-scale seizures of narcotics, often in quintal-scale quantities.
“Earlier, drug dealers operated with political backing. Now, the law is catching up with them—without fear or favour,” Kejriwal noted.
Youth-Focused Rehabilitation: Jobs, Gyms & Stadiums
A significant pillar of the drug-free strategy is channeling Punjab’s youth toward healthier, purpose-driven lives. Kejriwal announced the following key initiatives:
- A stadium in every village to promote sports and fitness
- 3,000 gyms in large villages to provide youth with healthy recreational alternatives
- Over 54,000 government jobs already provided, with employment schemes planned for every village
This holistic approach ensures that rehabilitation is not just medical, but social and economic, reducing the chances of relapse.
Cultural Shift: From Dark Narratives to Bright Futures
Kejriwal pointed to the changing narrative around Punjab’s drug issue. Once depicted in dark, despairing films like Udta Punjab, the state is now emerging as a model of resilience.
“Bollywood once showed Punjab drowning in drugs. Today, it must show Punjab rising, because of the efforts of its people and its government,” he said.
The transformation is already visible in villages previously known as drug epicenters, now reporting clean audits, active sports programs, and increased community participation in awareness drives.
What’s Next for the Anti-Drug Mission?
Kejriwal pledged to continue expanding the program, calling on all sections of society—including educators, religious leaders, and civil society—to contribute to the war against addiction.
Key Goals for the Coming Months:
- Extend door-to-door outreach under the Nasha Mukti Yatra
- Increase funding for vocational training and rehab centers
- Strengthen school and college-based awareness campaigns
- Maintain zero tolerance toward government officials aiding drug traffickers