Chandigarh: With the Punjab Assembly elections approaching, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is stepping up its outreach in the state with a campaign focused on the issue of drug abuse. The party is planning to organise four separate yatras against drugs, with the programme scheduled to begin on September 15.
The proposed yatras are expected to pass through all 117 Assembly constituencies, allowing the BJP to take its anti-drug message directly to voters across Punjab. The initiative is also being viewed as part of the party’s broader preparations to strengthen its organisational presence ahead of the elections.
After the four yatras conclude, the BJP plans to hold a major public rally. Union Home Minister Amit Shah is expected to participate in the event, although the final programme is yet to be formally announced.
BJP says anti-drug campaign should remain above politics
BJP leader Anil Sareen said tackling drug abuse should be a collective responsibility and called for wider participation in efforts to make Punjab drug-free.
Sareen indicated that details of the party’s upcoming programmes would be announced shortly. He also stressed that the fight against drugs should not be viewed merely through a political lens, saying political parties as well as people across Punjab should contribute to the campaign.
BJP steps up election preparations
The proposed yatras come as the BJP intensifies its groundwork for the upcoming Assembly polls. The party has been focusing on taking its programmes and political messaging directly to the public while strengthening its organisational network across the state.
The anti-drug campaign has also gained renewed political attention following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s remarks on the issue during his latest Mann Ki Baat address. Modi highlighted the need to create greater awareness about drug abuse and encouraged efforts aimed at preventing addiction.
The BJP is now preparing to make the issue a prominent part of its political outreach in Punjab.
Congress also planning statewide outreach
The BJP’s proposed campaign comes alongside preparations by the Congress for its own outreach programme in Punjab. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi is expected to undertake a yatra in the state during September.
The first phase of the proposed Congress programme is likely to cover around 135 kilometres and pass through more than 15 districts. The initiative is aimed at strengthening the party’s connect with people ahead of the Assembly elections.
With both parties planning extensive programmes on the ground, Punjab is set to witness increased political activity in the run-up to the polls.
