Fazilka: Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday said the fight against drugs must become a people’s movement, stressing that the campaign is aimed at protecting the youth and future generations rather than serving the interests of any political party.
Addressing a gathering after joining the fourth phase of the Nasha Mukti Yatra in Fazilka, Saini said Punjab was once known for its prosperity, vibrancy and hardworking youth, but the drug menace has emerged as a major challenge to the future of its younger generation.
He said every section of society needs to participate in efforts to tackle the problem.
Saini Targets Punjab Government Over Drug Menace
Saini criticised the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab over its earlier promise to eradicate drugs within six months. He said the problem remains a serious challenge even as the state government enters the final phase of its tenure.
He also alleged that the government had failed to fulfil its promises of providing employment to the youth.
Saini said that when industrialists from Punjab met him at his residence in Chandigarh and expressed interest in setting up industries in Haryana, he advised them to establish industries in Punjab instead so that employment opportunities could be created for the state’s youth.
He claimed that people in Punjab had made up their minds for change and said the coming time would belong to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Nasha Mukti Yatra to Cover All 117 Punjab Constituencies
Saini said the Nasha Mukti Yatra, which began on September 18, will continue until September 30 and cover around 4,000 km across all 117 Assembly constituencies of Punjab. The statewide campaign is being conducted through four routes before converging in Jalandhar.
He said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the country is fighting the drug menace with determination and called for participation from all sections of society.
The Haryana Chief Minister also highlighted his government’s governance in Haryana, saying jobs were being provided to youth through what he described as a transparent system.
He said he meets people at his residence regularly and works to resolve their grievances. Saini added that the Haryana government has fulfilled 70 of the 217 commitments made before the elections and has advanced several schemes for women, farmers, people with low incomes and youth.
Treatment, Rehabilitation and Sports Also Needed
Saini said the fight against drugs cannot be limited to law enforcement alone. According to him, treatment, rehabilitation, sports and employment opportunities must be pursued simultaneously.
He said Haryana is providing free treatment facilities at de-addiction centres and placing special emphasis on connecting young people with sports and other positive activities.
The Nasha Mukti Yatra is being conducted ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, with drug abuse among the issues being highlighted by the BJP during the campaign.