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Amit Shah addresses BJP’s Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra finale rally in Jalandhar amid a political battle over drugs. (Img: X)
Jalandhar: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Wednesday addressed a major anti-drug rally in Punjab’s Jalandhar, marking the conclusion of the BJP’s 13-day Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra. The event became a major political flashpoint as the BJP highlighted the issue of drug abuse in the state, while the ruling Aam Aadmi Party questioned the Centre’s role in controlling drug trafficking networks.
The rally at Paragpur village on the Phagwara-Jalandhar highway marked the culmination of four simultaneous yatras launched across Punjab. According to the BJP, the campaign covered all 117 Assembly constituencies and thousands of villages, aiming to create public awareness against drug addiction and mobilise people against the menace.
The BJP has positioned the anti-drug campaign as a major political issue ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, while the AAP has accused the Centre of shifting responsibility instead of addressing concerns related to border security and drug supply chains.
## Amit Shah’s Punjab Visit And Temple Darshan
Before addressing the rally, Amit Shah reached Jalandhar and offered prayers at the historic Shri Devi Talab Mandir. He also paid obeisance at the 200-year-old Tripurmalini shrine located inside the temple complex.
The Home Minister arrived at Sri Guru Ravidas Ji Maharaj Adampur Airport and later travelled to the temple before heading towards the rally venue.
During his visit, Shah also interacted with families affected by drug-related issues before addressing BJP workers and supporters gathered at the event.
## BJP’s Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra Covers Entire State
The BJP launched the Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra on September 18 from Pathankot. The campaign was organised through four separate routes covering Punjab’s 117 Assembly constituencies.
The party said the yatra travelled nearly 4,000 kilometres across the state, reaching villages, towns and cities to spread awareness about drug addiction and encourage public participation.
The BJP highlighted three major concerns during the campaign — drug abuse, law and order challenges and allegations related to corruption in governance.
The concluding Jalandhar rally was presented by the party as a platform to turn the anti-drug campaign into a larger public movement.
## Amit Shah Raises Drug Issue, BJP Targets AAP Government
Addressing the gathering, Amit Shah targeted the Punjab government over the drug issue and alleged that the state was facing a serious challenge due to governance failures.
The BJP has accused the AAP government of not doing enough to control the spread of drugs in Punjab. The party has made the issue a central theme of its political campaign, especially with the upcoming Assembly elections in focus.
The BJP leadership has also claimed that if given an opportunity to govern Punjab, it would take strict action against drug networks and strengthen enforcement mechanisms.
The party has referred to its previous actions against security and law-and-order challenges in other states while presenting its roadmap for Punjab.
## AAP Questions Centre’s Role In Drug Supply Chain
The rally led to a sharp political response from AAP leaders, who questioned the accountability of central agencies involved in tackling drug trafficking.
AAP leader Neel Garg raised questions about the role of agencies such as the Border Security Force and the Narcotics Control Bureau, asking what measures had been taken to stop cross-border and interstate drug networks.
AAP leaders argued that the fight against drugs requires coordination between the Centre and the state government and said responsibility cannot be placed only on Punjab.
The party maintained that effective action against drug trafficking requires results on the ground rather than political allegations.
## Security Tightened Ahead Of Amit Shah Rally
Security arrangements were intensified in Jalandhar ahead of the Home Minister’s visit. The district administration declared a no-fly zone during the programme period as part of security measures.
Security agencies remained on alert amid reports of threats received by some institutions ahead of the rally. Authorities examined the situation and increased security deployment around key locations linked to the event.
The rally venue witnessed heavy security presence with arrangements for thousands of BJP workers and supporters.
## Drug Seizure Highlighted During Punjab Visit
During his address, Amit Shah also highlighted a recent anti-drug operation carried out by Gujarat ATS, the Indian Coast Guard and central intelligence agencies.
According to the government’s statement, agencies seized 526 kg of methamphetamine and heroin from an Iranian boat in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone near Lakshadweep. Five Pakistani nationals were arrested in connection with the operation, and further investigation was underway to trace the wider network.
The operation was presented by the government as an example of coordination between security agencies against international drug trafficking networks.
## Punjab Drug Issue Becomes Major Political Battle
The Jalandhar rally has intensified the political debate over Punjab’s drug problem, with both BJP and AAP attempting to shape the narrative ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
While the BJP is focusing on anti-drug action and law-and-order concerns, AAP leaders are questioning the role of central agencies and demanding accountability from the Union government.
The issue is expected to remain a major political talking point as parties prepare their strategies for the upcoming electoral battle.
