Punjab CM Bhagwant Singh Mann on Tuesday asserted that his government will show zero tolerance toward the so-called “Jarnails” responsible for the destruction of Punjab’s youth through the drug epidemic.
Speaking during the Vidhan Sabha debate on Yudh Nasheyan Virudh (War Against Drugs), CM Bhagwant Singh revealed that many of these powerful figures who once enabled and profited from the drug trade have already been jailed. He pointed out that these individuals not only protected drug networks but went as far as distributing drugs using government vehicles. Mann said that while no previous administration dared to act against them, his government has taken strong action, and these individuals will now be held accountable for their crimes.
He assured the Assembly that strict and exemplary punishment would be delivered to ensure such crimes are never repeated. In a sharp remark, he said that Nabha Jail has now become synonymous with “chitta,” as many of the very people who introduced this deadly drug to Punjab are now imprisoned there. CM Bhagwant Singh noted the irony of these once-rich leaders, who amassed illegal wealth, now demanding luxuries in jail.
He stressed that those responsible for leading Punjab’s youth to death through drugs do not deserve any leniency or special treatment in prison. CM Bhagwant Singh added that investigations have revealed how these leaders accumulated vast fortunes through the drug trade, and his government will ensure they face the harshest penalties for this betrayal of humanity.
Targeting Akali leader Bikram Singh Majithia, CM Bhagwant Singh accused him of continuing his family’s history of betraying Punjab. He recalled that Majithia’s ancestors hosted General Dyer on the same day as the Jallianwala Bagh massacre in 1919 and said that Majithia himself had looted Punjab during his political reign by backing the drug trade, thus ruining countless lives.
CM Bhagwant Singh also took aim at the narrative that Punjab is the hub of the drug problem, stating that other states face even worse issues. He blamed certain vested interests for running propaganda campaigns to defame Punjab and portray its hardworking people as drug addicts. He emphasized that Punjab, in fact, is leading a national-level battle against drugs, which has led to unfair stigma despite its major contributions to the nation.
CM Bhagwant Singh pointed out that not even a single gram of drug is produced in Punjab. Yet, state police have seized large drug consignments coming in from states like Gujarat and Rajasthan. He said the Yudh Nasheyan Virudh campaign launched by his government has effectively broken the drug supply chain.
He further stated that tackling the drug menace has taken over two years of strategic planning, resulting in a crackdown on major traffickers, disruption of supply routes, rehabilitation of addicts, and seizure and destruction of properties of smugglers. This multi-pronged effort has now evolved into a full-fledged war on drugs under the Yudh Nasheyan Virudh initiative.
CM Bhagwant Singh also mentioned disturbing findings from investigations, including the use of animal-grade anesthesia—meant for elephants—by addicts. He criticized Congress leaders for allegedly shielding the culprits and made it clear that no one involved in these heinous acts will be spared. Mann said his government considers this a moral mission and will pursue it relentlessly.
Highlighting the youth’s role in Punjab’s future, he said the government’s focus is on transforming young people from job seekers into job creators. He stressed the importance of youth-led progress in building a prosperous and forward-looking Punjab.
CM Bhagwant Singh concluded by reaffirming his government’s vision of a Rangla Punjab—a vibrant, inclusive, and progressive state. He said that under previous governments, Punjab had earned many negative reputations, but now, his administration is steering the state toward a brighter, more hopeful future.