Archive · 19 Sep 2026
BJP Launches Four Statewide Anti-Drug Yatras Across Punjab
The BJP has started a campaign to fight drug abuse in Punjab.
Nitin Nabin began the first march in Pathankot.
Three more marches will start from other parts of the state.
Together, they will travel for 13 days through all 117 Assembly constituencies.
The marches are meant to warn people, especially young people, about the dangers of drugs.
Nabin accused the AAP government of not doing enough to stop the problem.
The BJP says it wants to catch traffickers and disrupt drug supply networks.
It also says it will help people affected by addiction.
The campaign is part of the BJP’s broader political effort in Punjab ahead of next year’s Assembly elections.
BJP president Nitin Nabin flagged off the first anti-drug yatra from Ekta Sthal in Pathankot.
Four yatras will run for 13 days, covering all 117 Assembly constituencies and about 4,000 km across Punjab.
The other yatras will begin in Fatehgarh Sahib on September 19, Fazilka on September 20 and Talwandi Sabo on September 21.
Nabin accused the AAP government of patronising drug mafias and failing to meet its deadlines to end drug abuse.
The BJP says its campaign will target traffickers, disrupt supply networks, seize drug money, support rehabilitation and build public awareness.
- Who
- The Bharatiya Janata Party, led at the launch by president Nitin Nabin, started the campaign.
- What
- The BJP launched the 13-day Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra, comprising four statewide anti-drug yatras.
- When
- The first yatra was launched on Friday; the others are scheduled for September 19, 20 and 21, with a concluding rally planned for September 30.
- Where
- The first yatra began at Ekta Sthal in Pathankot, while the other starting points are Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka and Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda; the campaign will cover Punjab.
- Why
- The BJP says it aims to fight drug abuse, reach every part of Punjab, target traffickers, disrupt supply networks and support rehabilitation.
BJP’s Position
AAP Government’s Stated Position
Responsibility for the drug problem
BJP’s Position
Nitin Nabin accused the Bhagwant Mann government of being hand in glove with, or patronising, drug mafias and said it had failed to produce results.
AAP Government’s Stated Position
The articles refer to the AAP government’s stated campaign, “Yudh Nashian Virudh,” meaning a war against drugs, but do not provide a direct response to the BJP’s allegations.
Progress against drugs
BJP’s Position
The BJP said the AAP government had repeatedly announced deadlines and given assurances but had not delivered meaningful results on the ground.
AAP Government’s Stated Position
The articles do not include an independent assessment or detailed government account of its progress, while BJP leaders said an AAP government had done nothing to curb the menace.
Political significance
BJP’s Position
The BJP plans to build its Punjab campaign around drugs and deteriorating law and order, and says it would eliminate the drug menace if elected.
AAP Government’s Stated Position
The articles do not state the AAP’s position on the BJP’s election strategy or its claims about future performance.
- Campaign name
- Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra
- First launch location
- Ekta Sthal, Pathankot
- Duration
- 13 days
- Planned route
- About 4,000 km across all 117 Assembly constituencies in Punjab
- Additional launch dates
- September 19, September 20 and September 21
- Additional launch locations
- Fatehgarh Sahib, Fazilka and Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda
- Concluding event
- Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to address a rally in Jalandhar on September 30
