With eye on poll, BJP to begin ‘drug-free Punjab’ drive amid row over Dalit villager’s death

The BJP unveiled plans for a “drug‑free Punjab” drive, positioning the initiative as a key part of its election strategy. The announcement was made as the party seeks to address growing concerns over synthetic drug (“chitta”) abuse, and comes after a recent controversy surrounding the death of a Dalit villager who had reportedly been urged to apologise for questioning Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema's handling of the issue.

The party indicated that the campaign will be rolled out across all districts of Punjab, though it did not disclose specific timelines, budgetary figures, or the number of personnel to be deployed. No exact start date was provided, and officials said operational details would be communicated to local authorities in due course.

Punjab has long grappled with a surge in synthetic drug consumption, affecting youth and rural communities alike. The Dalit villager's death has heightened tensions between marginalized groups and the state government, raising questions about accountability and the effectiveness of anti‑drug measures. Analysts suggest that the BJP's initiative could influence voter sentiment ahead of the forthcoming polls, while also putting pressure on the state administration to deliver tangible results.