AAP leader Baltej Pannu urges BJP to join Punjab’s Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign instead of launching separate anti-drug yatras.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Punjab State General Secretary (Organisation) and Chief Spokesperson of the Nasha Mukti Morcha, Baltej Pannu, has criticised the BJP over its proposed statewide anti-drug yatras. He said that instead of running a separate political campaign, the BJP should support and join Punjab’s ongoing Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign.
Pannu said the Punjab government’s action against drug trafficking reflects the scale of the ongoing battle. According to figures cited by him, 60,239 cases were registered and 77,509 people were booked between March 1, 2025, and September 8, 2026.
Baltej Pannu Questions BJP’s Separate Anti-Drug Campaign
Reacting to the BJP’s proposed anti-drug yatras scheduled from September 18 to 30, Pannu said Punjab has been conducting a sustained campaign against drugs for around one-and-a-half years.
He argued that the BJP should contribute to the existing public campaign rather than create a separate political platform. According to Pannu, the Yudh Nashean Virudh initiative has focused on involving people in the fight against drugs while simultaneously strengthening enforcement against those involved in the illegal trade.
Pannu alleged that the BJP’s decision to launch a separate campaign was aimed at creating a parallel political narrative. He said that if the party genuinely wants to tackle the drug problem, it should join the government’s ongoing campaign and work alongside the people of Punjab.
Over 60,000 Drug Cases Registered
Highlighting the enforcement figures, Pannu said authorities registered 60,239 cases and booked 77,509 individuals during the period from March 1, 2025, to September 8, 2026.
He said the crackdown also resulted in the seizure of 3,821.105 kg of heroin, 971.670 kg of opium, 45,209.509 kg of poppy husk and green plants, 1,329.192 kg of ganja, 129.533 kg of charas, 72.224 kg of ice and 4.646 kg of cocaine.
In addition, authorities recovered 62,61,754 tablets and capsules, 4,241 injections and drug-related cash amounting to ₹22.03 crore, according to the figures cited by Pannu.
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Pannu Reminds BJP of Akali-BJP Rule
The AAP leader also attacked the BJP over its association with the Shiromani Akali Dal during the 2007–2017 Punjab government. He said the BJP was a partner in the government during a period when the drug crisis became a major concern in the state.
Pannu claimed that the term ‘chitta’ became closely associated with Punjab’s drug crisis during that decade and alleged that questions surrounding political patronage and links between drug smugglers, sections of the police and political figures had repeatedly emerged.
He said the BJP should explain its record from that period before attempting to turn the drug issue into an electoral campaign.
‘Join the Existing Fight Against Drugs’
Pannu maintained that the fight against drugs should remain focused on eliminating the supply chain, supporting affected families and involving communities rather than becoming a political contest.
He reiterated that the Yudh Nashean Virudh campaign represents a broader effort involving the people of Punjab and urged the BJP to participate in the initiative if it is serious about tackling drug abuse.
According to Pannu, the scale of enforcement demonstrates the seriousness with which the Punjab government is pursuing the anti-drug drive. He said political parties should work together on the issue instead of creating competing campaigns.
The AAP leader concluded that the BJP should join Yudh Nashean Virudh and contribute to Punjab’s ongoing battle against drugs rather than attempting to undermine the campaign through a separate political programme.
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