Pathankot: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday launched its ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’ from Pathankot, stepping up its campaign against drug abuse in the state ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
BJP national president Nitin Nabin flagged off the campaign and released a dedicated anti-drug helpline number, 97149-02027, along with a poster carrying the ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab’ message.
Addressing the gathering, Nabin said Punjab had historically remained ahead in several fields but was now facing a serious challenge from drug abuse. Referring to families affected by addiction, he said the BJP would work towards eliminating the drug mafia from the state.
Nabin said he had brought a message from Patna, the birthplace of Guru Gobind Singh, to strengthen the campaign for a drug-free Punjab. He added that the BJP was taking the message of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to people across the state.
Four yatras to cover all 117 constituencies
The BJP’s campaign will cover all 117 Assembly constituencies over 13 days, with the four routes collectively covering around 4,000 km.
After the Pathankot launch, similar yatras are scheduled to begin from Fatehgarh Sahib on September 19, Fazilka on September 20 and Talwandi Sabo on September 21.
The campaign will conclude with a rally in Jalandhar on September 30, where Union Home Minister Amit Shah is scheduled to address the gathering.
Nabin said the BJP was beginning a fresh campaign against drugs from Pathankot and would take the issue directly to people across Punjab.
He also referred to Prime Minister Modi’s appeal on August 2 for people to stay away from drugs, saying the campaign had to receive particular attention in Punjab because, according to the BJP, drug abuse poses a threat to young people and the state’s future.