With eye on poll, BJP to begin ‘drug-free Punjab’ drive amid row over Dalit villager’s death
The BJP has announced a 'Nasha Mukt Punjab' (Drug-Free Punjab) campaign ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections to address the state's drug crisis. The initiative follows public outcry over the death of a Dalit villager who had previously questioned government officials about synthetic drug supplies.
Why it matters
The campaign highlights how the BJP is leveraging social issues like drug abuse to challenge the incumbent government's performance in Punjab.
With an eye on the 2027 Assembly poll, the BJP on Friday (September 11, 2026) announced the launch of ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatras’ from September 18 to “highlight the drug menace” in the State.
State BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon said the yatras will cover all 117 Assembly constituencies and turn the fight against drugs into a mass movement. He was addressing a press conference along with party national vice-president Manpreet Badal and former State chief Sunil Jakhar.
The campaign comes close on the heels of a row that erupted following the alleged death by suicide of a Dalit villager, who was reportedly under pressure to apologise for questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema over the supply of ‘ chitta (synthetic drugs)’ in the State.
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