JALANDHAR: In a major political push targeting the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) ahead of the state assembly elections, Union Home Minister Amit Shah vowed to completely eradicate chitta (synthetic drugs) from Punjab by December 31, 2029, if the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is voted to power.
Addressing a massive rally in Paragpur village, Jalandhar, which marked the conclusion of the BJP's 13-day 'Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra,' the Home Minister urged voters to give the BJP a single chance to govern the border state and restore its prosperity.
Key Highlights of Amit Shah's Address
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Pledge Against Synthetic Drugs: Shah announced that eradicating chitta and making Punjab drug-free would be the central focus of the BJP’s election campaign.
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Attack on AAP Government: The Home Minister sharply criticized Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's government, alleging that it allowed synthetic drug trade to flourish openly across the state.
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Direct Interaction with Victims: Prior to taking the stage, Shah met with families who had lost loved ones to substance abuse to directly hear their grievances and assess the ground situation.
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Culmination of Statewide Yatra: The rally concluded a 4,000 km anti-drug yatra that launched on September 18 from Pathankot, traversing all 117 assembly constituencies in Punjab.
Focus on Chitta Eradication and Governance
During his speech, Amit Shah emphasized that while Punjab faces multiple pressing issues—including farmers' concerns, industrial slump, and law and order challenges—the drug crisis demands the highest priority.
"Why has the time come today to make Punjab drug-free? Because the AAP government allowed the trade of chitta to flourish openly," Shah declared. "Press the lotus button, and we promise to make Punjab drug-free before December 31, 2029."
He drew comparisons with other BJP-ruled states, highlighting how decisive governance transformed law and order in places like Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, and argued that Punjab similarly requires a firm hand to dismantle cross-border drug syndicates and local narco-networks.
Religious Visits and High Security in Jalandhar
Before addressing the gathering of thousands of party supporters, the Home Minister arrived at Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj Adampur Airport and traveled by helicopter to pay obeisance at the historic Shri Devi Talab Mandir in Jalandhar. Accompanied by senior Punjab BJP leaders, he offered prayers at the shrine before proceeding to the main rally venue on the Phagwara-Jalandhar highway.
Security across the region was placed on high alert following threat communications and protests from opposition parties regarding border security and water-sharing issues. Despite the tight security grid, the anti-drug rally witnessed significant turnout from youth and women from across the state.
