Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Punjab Drug Crisis Fuels Political Fight Over AAP Record
Punjab has struggled with illegal drugs for many years.
The AAP government started a campaign called Yudh Nasheyan Virudh to fight the problem.
It points to seizures, arrests and convictions as signs of progress.
However, drug-treatment admissions increased sharply, according to government data cited in the article.
Critics say the campaign started too late and has not stopped drugs from entering rural areas.
The BJP plans its own statewide campaign before the elections.
AAP says the BJP is only trying to gain political advantage.
Different political parties have repeatedly promised to end drugs within a few months.
The continuing drug problem has therefore become a major political fight in Punjab.
Punjab de-addiction centre admissions reportedly rose 164% during the AAP government, from 9,577 in 2024 to 25,290 in 2025.
The AAP government highlights drug seizures, an 88–89% conviction rate and arrests under its Yudh Nasheyan Virudh campaign.
Critics say the campaign began too late, has not addressed supply networks and has failed to explain Punjab’s continued prominence in cross-border smuggling.
The BJP plans a statewide anti-drug yatra beginning September 18, making the drug problem a major issue for its election campaign.
AAP says the campaign has registered 60,239 cases and booked 77,509 people since March 2025, accusing the BJP of politicising the issue.
- Who
- The Punjab government led by the Aam Aadmi Party, the Bharatiya Janata Party, Congress leaders and people affected by drug use.
- What
- Political parties are disputing the record and effectiveness of Punjab’s anti-drug efforts as treatment admissions and concerns about drug supply rise.
- When
- The AAP campaign was launched in March 2025, according to AAP; the BJP plans to begin its yatra on September 18, with a formal announcement on September 11.
- Where
- Punjab, including rural blocks and the Sangrur area.
- Why
- The drug problem remains widespread, while parties are using the issue to criticize the government, build public awareness and shape election campaigns.
AAP and Government Position
Opposition and Critics
Campaign effectiveness
AAP and Government Position
AAP says Yudh Nasheyan Virudh is succeeding, citing 60,239 registered cases and 77,509 people booked since March 2025.
Opposition and Critics
The BJP and other critics call the campaign publicity-driven and say the drug problem remains unresolved.
Responsibility for the crisis
AAP and Government Position
AAP says the BJP should join the existing campaign and answer for the heroin problem during the 2007–17 Akali-BJP period.
Opposition and Critics
The BJP blames successive Congress and AAP governments for failing to fulfill promises to end drugs, while critics also cite failures in the current administration.
Main policy failure
AAP and Government Position
The government emphasizes seizures, arrests, convictions and expanded treatment as evidence of action.
Opposition and Critics
Critics say the government has not adequately addressed smuggling networks, continued cross-border inflows or why Punjab still records significant drug-smuggling incidents and high-value seizures.
- De-addiction admissions
- Admissions rose from 9,577 in 2024 to 25,290 in 2025, a reported increase of 164%.
- AAP campaign
- Yudh Nasheyan Virudh was launched in March 2025, according to AAP General Secretary Baltej Pannu.
- AAP figures
- AAP says 60,239 cases were registered and 77,509 people were booked since the campaign began.
- Conviction rate
- The state government cites a conviction rate of approximately 88–89%.
- BJP yatra
- The Bharatiya Janata Party plans to launch a statewide anti-drug yatra on September 18.
- Treatment access
- Outpatient Opioid-Assisted Treatment clinic registrations have continued to rise, and some voluntary participants received immunity under Section 64A of the NDPS Act.