Home Minister Accuses AAP Government of Allowing ‘Chitta’ Trade to Flourish; Appeals to Punjab’s Youth and Women at Jalandhar Rally
Jalandhar : Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has declared that making Punjab free from the illicit drug trade will be the BJP’s principal electoral issue in the upcoming Assembly elections, setting December 31, 2029 as the deadline for eliminating the trade in “chitta” if the party comes to power. (The Tribune)
Addressing the concluding programme of the BJP’s ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’ in Jalandhar, Shah accused the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government of allowing the drug trade to operate openly in the state. He said Punjab faces several concerns, including those related to farmers, industry, law and order and women’s safety, but asserted that the BJP would make the fight against drugs the central focus of its campaign. (The New Indian Express)
Shah appealed particularly to the mothers and young people of Punjab to support the BJP, saying that, if given the opportunity to form the government, his party would work to end the “chitta” trade before the end of 2029.
Shah Cites Government’s Record on Terrorism and Naxalism
Responding in advance to criticism over the 2029 deadline, Shah said the BJP had previously undertaken difficult tasks under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership.
He referred to the government’s actions against terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir, Left-Wing Extremism and terrorism in the Northeast, arguing that the campaign against drugs in Punjab would now be the next major challenge.
According to Shah, the BJP’s pledge is not merely an electoral promise but part of a larger effort to address the consequences of drug addiction and trafficking in the state.
‘I Met Families Devastated by Addiction’
Shah also spoke about his interaction with families affected by drug addiction before the rally. He recalled meeting a mother who had lost both her sons and appealed for the drug trade to be stopped so that other families could be protected.
He used the account to underline the social and human cost of substance abuse in Punjab and criticised the state government over its handling of the issue.
Shah also made a reference to alleged disrespect towards religious figures by people associated with the AAP, arguing that those whom he accused of being involved in such conduct could not effectively tackle the drug problem.
Punjab’s Contribution to Food Security and National Defence
Shah described his visit to Jalandhar for the anti-drug campaign as particularly significant and highlighted Punjab’s contribution to the country in two major areas—agriculture and national security.
He said Punjab’s farmers had repeatedly contributed to India’s food security by filling the country’s grain reserves and continue to play that role.
He also recalled the contribution of Punjabis to India’s freedom struggle and their sacrifices in defending the country’s borders after Independence.
The BJP’s 13-day Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra, which began on September 18, travelled through all 117 Assembly constituencies and covered around 4,000 km before culminating in Jalandhar. (Hindustan Times)
Shah’s Jalandhar address places the drug issue at the centre of the BJP’s stated campaign agenda for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, with the party linking its proposed target of a drug-free state to a potential BJP government in Punjab. (thestatesman.com)