BJP to Launch Four-Route Anti-Drugs Yatra Across Punjab Ahead of 2027 Polls

The BJP has announced a statewide anti-drugs campaign in Punjab, with a 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra' to be taken out on four routes covering all 117 assembly constituencies. The move signals the party's intent to contest the 2027 assembly elections on the drug-abuse issue, which it is framing as a failure of governance rather than a purely law-and-order problem.

The yatra will begin on September 18 from Madhopur in Pathankot, followed by Fatehgarh Sahib on September 19, Fazilka on September 20 and Talwandi Sabo on September 21. The four legs will pass through different regions of the state before converging in Jalandhar.

The campaign comes amid renewed public anger over two incidents. In Sangrur, resident Gulzar Singh, who had publicly questioned AAP leader and Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema about the availability of "chitta", died by suicide. His family has alleged that he was harassed after raising the issue. Police have registered a case against some local residents and formed a special probe team, while Cheema has denied any involvement.

The second flashpoint involves activist Mohanjeet Singh Sheron, who alleged that he was tortured by police after displaying a black flag and questioning the government's handling of drugs during Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's public interaction. The allegations drew political criticism and led to action against police personnel.

Both controversies have given the BJP fresh ammunition to challenge the Bhagwant Mann-led government's claims of controlling the drug menace. The party is seeking to connect the issue with "Punjabiyat", youth, families, crime and governance, and has challenged the AAP government to explain why the problem persists despite its claims of a crackdown.

The Congress, the main opposition party in the state, and the Shiromani Akali Dal have also been raising the drug issue, though both carry the baggage of having led successive governments in Punjab. The BJP, which has historically been a junior partner in SAD-led governments, is positioning the yatra as a mass-contact exercise aimed at establishing its own independent presence in the state.

Punjab BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon has said the campaign is not merely an awareness drive. The party is expected to use personal stories of families affected by addiction to build an emotional connection with voters, while also highlighting law and order and corruption as key themes.