AAP national convener and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced a mass movement against drugs in Punjab, to be launched on April 1. Addressing the Indoor Stadium in Ludhiana's Pakhowal Road, Kejriwal pointed out that there would be a census of drugs to find out the addicts and treat them.
To make the battle against drug trafficking stronger, Kejriwal also launched an anti-drug helpline number, 9779100200, calling upon citizens to inform the government about any drug activity in their localities.
"War on Drugs" In Progress in Punjab
Praising Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's initiatives, Kejriwal referred to the crackdown on drug syndicates, asserting that "anti-national forces are shaken" due to the government's persistent action.
"In the past 20 days, we have witnessed a war on drugs in its true sense—bulldozers are reducing homes of top drug smugglers to rubble, and crores of worth of drugs have been confiscated. No government has been so bold," Kejriwal claimed.
In his opinion, drug trafficking is widespread in states such as Haryana, Gujarat, and Delhi, but only the AAP government in Punjab has acted resolutely.
Kejriwal further highlighted the fact that 70% of the drugs that enter Punjab are brought in from Pakistan through drones. He made an announcement that a system against drones will be launched at the international border soon to stop cross-border drug peddling. Another 5,000 home guards will be appointed to help the Border Security Force (BSF) in eradicating this scourge.
Revolving the Anti-Drug Drive as a Mass Movement
Kejriwal appealed to Punjab's three crore citizens to come together to end drugs. He said AAP volunteers, MLAs, and ministers—himself and Bhagwant Mann included—will personally go to villages and mohallas to spread awareness.
"When the whole population will stand against drug smugglers, they will find no place to hide," he asserted.
To keep the youth occupied and not addicted, Kejriwal suggested building sports infrastructure in every village.
Drug Census for Rehabilitation
The AAP chief also declared a house-to-house drug census to locate addicts and provide them with anonymous rehabilitation.
"Addiction is a disease, and the victims need treatment. Our workers will go door-to-door and inquire if anyone in the household is addicted. If yes, we will make arrangements for them to get treated while keeping their identity anonymous," he said.
Attack on Previous Governments and Opposition Leaders
Kejriwal blamed the past governments of encouraging the drug menace for self-interest. Not naming names, he blamed the ministers of a specific political party for peddling drugs and destroying a generation.
He also made a jab at the previous Punjab Chief Minister, saying, "One chief minister took an oath on the 'Gutka Sahib' to wipe out the drugs within four weeks but never moved out of his residence in five years as the drug business was booming."
Earlier on Wednesday, Kejriwal and CM Bhagwant Mann inaugurated the revamped civil hospital in dedication to the public.
Political Reactions
Punjab Congress Chief Amarinder Singh Raja Warring made a jibe at Kejriwal and Mann, saying their recent visit to Ludhiana was an attempt to create a Rajya Sabha seat for Kejriwal. He asserted that AAP was feeling the heat of an upcoming defeat in the Ludhiana West by-election and hence its senior leaders were camping in the city even though no election was announced yet.
Punjab Congress Working President Bharat Bhushan Ashu also lashed out at CM Mann for supposedly making false assertions regarding his legal case. Ashu explained that the Punjab and Haryana High Court had dismissed the case against him, in contrast to Mann's statements that it was still pending. He blamed Mann for personal vendetta and utilizing government agencies for political purposes.
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