Dhami Joins BJP's 'Drug Free Punjab' Campaign, Slams AAP
Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami joins BJP's 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra', targeting the AAP government over the state's drug crisis.
In a significant political move ahead of next year's state elections, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has joined the Bharatiya Janata Party's (BJP) intensive anti-drug campaign in Punjab. Participating in the 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra', Dhami took to the streets of Hoshiarpur to advocate for a drug-free state, marking a high-profile push by the BJP to address the ongoing narcotics crisis in the region.
A Massive Public Outpouring in Mukerian
Dhami arrived in the Mukerian area of Punjab's Hoshiarpur Rural district, where he participated in a vibrant roadshow. In a striking display of grassroots campaigning, the Chief Minister rode on a tractor through streets lined with massive crowds. The public turnout was significant, as residents gathered in large numbers to welcome the leader and listen to his address regarding the state's social challenges.
During his address in Mukerian and subsequent visit to Dasuya, Dhami emphasized that the BJP's mission is to take the fight against substance abuse directly to the doorstep of every citizen. He stated that the party is committed to ensuring that the message of a drug-free Punjab reaches every household and individual across the state.
Targeting the AAP Government
While addressing the gathering in Dasuya, Dhami launched a scathing critique of the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government. He highlighted a perceived gap between political promises and the reality on the ground in Punjab.
Key allegations made by Dhami include:
- Broken Promises: Dhami pointed out that the AAP government had previously pledged to make Punjab drug-free within just three months, a goal he claims remains unfulfilled.
- Harassment of Activists: He alleged that the current administration has created an unfortunate environment where individuals who raise their voices against drug abuse face harassment or are driven to suicide.
Dhami drew parallels to the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, noting that major national promises—such as the abrogation of Article 370 and the fight against terrorism and Naxalism—have been fulfilled. He expressed confidence that, under similar decisive leadership, the menace of drug abuse would also be eradicated from Punjab.
The Scale of 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra'
The visit is part of a massive 13-day campaign launched by the BJP on September 18. The 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra' is a large-scale operation involving four simultaneous yatras covering approximately 4,000 km across all 117 Assembly constituencies in the state. The campaign is set to culminate in Jalandhar on September 30, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah scheduled to address the concluding event, a visit expected to provide significant momentum to the movement.
As the BJP ramps up its efforts, the central government has also outlined a broader roadmap to achieve a drug-free India by 2029, focusing on dismantling drug networks and increasing coordination between central and state agencies. Meanwhile, the AAP government continues its own 'Yudh Nashean Virudh' campaign, focusing on community participation and treatment for those affected by addiction.