Arvind Kejriwal has announced the launch of a mass movement against drug abuse in Punjab, set to begin on April 1.
Addressing a large gathering at the Indoor Stadium, he emphasized that over three crore Punjabis will unite to fight against drug smuggling, which has been destroying generations.
Kejriwal urged every resident to actively participate in the campaign, stating that party workers will visit villages to help eliminate drugs from the state.
As part of the initiative, Kejriwal launched an anti-drug helpline (9779100200), encouraging citizens to report drug-related activities. He assured that callers' identities would remain confidential and that strict action would be taken against drug smugglers.
Additionally, he announced a statewide drug census to assess the extent of drug abuse, with teams visiting households across Punjab. He assured that victims' identities would be protected while appropriate corrective measures would be implemented.
To divert youth from drugs, Kejriwal pledged to establish playgrounds and gyms in every village, channeling their energy into positive activities. He also announced the recruitment of 5,000 new Home Guards, who will be stationed in border districts to curb drug smuggling.
Kejriwal criticized past governments for patronizing drug networks, saying that previous ministers prioritized their personal gains over the well-being of the state.
He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to eradicating drugs, highlighting efforts to jail drug lords, cut off supply chains, and seize properties of traffickers. He declared that even powerful politicians involved in drug-related crimes would not be spared.
To combat cross-border drug trafficking, Kejriwal revealed plans to deploy anti-drone technology, noting that 70% of drugs in Punjab come from Pakistan. He warned anti-national forces against disrupting Punjab’s progress, asserting that grenade attacks in the state were part of a larger conspiracy. He stressed that such attempts would not be tolerated, promising firm action against those responsible.
Kejriwal criticized previous governments for neglecting Punjab’s infrastructure, pointing out the poor condition of Ludhiana’s civil hospital, which had over 30,000 rodents. Under the current administration, he said, the hospital has undergone complete renovation. He also promised corruption-free land registries in the coming months and reforms to streamline public services, ensuring doorstep delivery of essential government services.
He announced that Punjabis without Ayushman cards would receive Sehat cards for free healthcare, emphasizing that this was just the beginning of a larger public welfare initiative. Kejriwal concluded by assuring that his government would continue accelerating development efforts in the days ahead.