Archive · 21 Sep 2026
Punjab’s Drug Crisis Returns as Parties Launch Fresh Crackdowns
Punjab has had a drug problem for many years.
Several political parties are making the issue central to their campaigns.
The Bharatiya Janata Party has started marches calling for a drug-free Punjab.
The Indian National Congress has protested after a labourer’s suicide.
The state government says its campaign has led to arrests and drug seizures.
However, the article says drugs are still reaching communities.
Traffickers use drones, other states, and pharmaceutical medicines to move or sell drugs.
Families can help people recover, but the government must also stop suppliers and provide treatment.
The problem is connected to Punjab’s border location, but it has grown beyond the border.
The Bharatiya Janata Party began a four-part “Nasha Mukt Punjab” campaign covering nearly 4,000 kilometres.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to address the campaign’s concluding rally in Jalandhar on September 30.
The Indian National Congress protested after labourer Gulzar Singh died by suicide following questions about drug availability.
The Aam Aadmi Party government’s campaign has reported arrests and seizures since launching in March 2025, but drug flows remain visible.
The article argues Punjab needs action against trafficking networks alongside treatment and rehabilitation for people facing addiction.
- Who
- The Bharatiya Janata Party, Indian National Congress, Aam Aadmi Party government, and Akali Dal (Waris Punjab De) are involved in the political response; affected families and people facing addiction are also discussed.
- What
- Punjab’s continuing drug crisis has become a major political issue, prompting new campaigns, protests, arrests, and calls for stronger enforcement and rehabilitation.
- When
- The Bharatiya Janata Party campaign began on Friday; the Aam Aadmi Party government launched its campaign in March 2025, with the BJP campaign scheduled to conclude on September 30.
- Where
- Punjab, including the border with Pakistan, Chandigarh, and Jalandhar.
- Why
- Drug trafficking has expanded through drones, relay points in other states, and pharmaceutical drugs, while existing crackdowns have not visibly stopped the flow.
Crackdown and Political Campaigns
Deeper Enforcement and Rehabilitation
How to respond to the crisis
Crackdown and Political Campaigns
Political parties are emphasizing yatras, protests, arrests, seizures, and campaign promises to address Punjab’s drug problem.
Deeper Enforcement and Rehabilitation
The article argues that another crackdown alone may not be enough and calls for dismantling trafficking networks, prosecuting financiers and suppliers, and providing treatment and rehabilitation.
Responsibility for prevention and recovery
Crackdown and Political Campaigns
Families are presented as important participants in prevention and recovery from addiction.
Deeper Enforcement and Rehabilitation
The state cannot shift responsibility to families and must ensure effective enforcement, treatment, and rehabilitation.
- BJP campaign
- The Bharatiya Janata Party launched four “Nasha Mukt Punjab” yatras.
- Campaign distance
- The yatras are planned to cover nearly 4,000 kilometres.
- Planned conclusion
- The campaign is scheduled to culminate in Jalandhar on September 30.
- Border length
- Punjab shares a roughly 550-kilometre border with Pakistan.
- Government campaign
- The Aam Aadmi Party government launched “Yudh Nasheyan Viruddh” in March 2025.
- Drug channels
- The article identifies drones, relay points in other states, and pharmaceutical drugs as parts of the trade.