Punjab Elections 2027:'Udta Punjab' (2016), a Shahid Kapoor-starrer Bollywood movie, which was released months before the Punjab assembly elections in 2017, had drawn people's attention to the drug menace that has been visibly plaguing the state. When the movie highlighted the drug ('chitta) issue, the SAD government was in power. Since 2016, Punjab has seen the rule of all major parties - SAD, Congress, and AAP in the state over the past 10 years, yet the issue of the drug menace remained unchecked, despite some popular initiatives launched by successive state governments.

As the Punjab Assembly elections approach, the political parties engage in blame over the issue yet again. The biggest loser in the game is the youth of the state, who are suffering the most.

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Six Of India's 73 Ultra-Sensitive Drug-Affected Districts In Punjab

Six districts of Punjab are among 73 ultra-sensitive districts across the country identified by the Centre. The Narcotics Control Bureau, Zonal Director (Chandigarh), Amanjit Singh said 272 districts in the country have been identified as vulnerable. Except Pathankot, five border districts and one Ludhiana district are ultra-sensitive. Punjab has six border districts -- Amritsar, Pathankot, Gurdaspur, Tarn Taran, Fazilka and Ferozepur.

Drug Seizure In 2022, 2023 And 2024

Punjab (2022)

- Opium Based Drugs (Kg): 46502.577

- Cannabis Based Drugs: 1836.068

- Cocaine: 0.168

- Psychotropic Substances: 30.526

- Medicinal Preparations: 793.223

Punjab (2023)

- Opium Based Drugs (Kg): 45954.313

- Cannabis Based Drugs: 1521.999

- Cocaine:0.188

- Psychotropic Substance: 1.022

- Medicinal Preparations: 3.331

Punjab (2024)

- Opium Based Drugs (Kg): 41855.523

- Cannabis Based Drugs: 981.88

- Cocaine:0.636

- Psychotropic Substance: 22.404

- Medicinal Preparations: 17.478

Data shows the gravity of the issue. While the ruling party claims that it has improved the situation by keeping the drug menace in check, the opposition parties slam the government over the alleged tall claims. However, the matter of fact is that in the last three assembly elections, drugs menace has been the main poll issue, yet it remained unresolved due to an alleged nexus of corrupt politicians, gangsters' drug syndicate and Pakistan-backed supply along the International border.

Bikram Singh Majithia Arrested For 'Drug Money'

Ahead of this election in December 2021, the SAD general secretary and brother-in-law of party supremo leader candidate Sukhbir Singh Badal, Bikram Singh Majithia, was arrested by the Punjab Vigilance Bureau for allegedly laundering more than Rs 540 crore of "drug money". The bureau claimed preliminary investigations revealed that more than Rs 540 crore of "drug money" has been laundered through several channels allegedly facilitated by Majithia. However, Majithia came out of jail after securing the bail from the Supreme Court in February this year.

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AAP-led Govt's Initiative To Address The Issue

Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab government centred its strategy against substance abuse around the "Yudh Nasheyan Virudh" (War Against Drugs) campaign in 2025. The government utilises a five-point framework that combines law enforcement, community vigilance, educational intervention, and rehabilitation.

Centre's Initiatives

Centre, along with the state government, is working to deal with the issue. The Narcotics Control Bureau, Zonal Director (Chandigarh), said that by March 2027, all border guarding agencies will also have advanced surveillance and anti-drone systems. The NCB proposes implementation of a drug-free campus framework with 500-metre safe zones around educational institutions by March 2027 and preventive screening of more than 10 lakh students.

Political Battle

The BJP launched the Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra, a major 13-day statewide anti-drug campaign and march from Pathankot on September 18. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, while addressing a rally in Sangrur on Wednesday, launched an all-out attack against the Mann government over the drug issue as he kicked off his party's election campaign.

"One thing you must understand, drugs and gangsterism will continue to flourish in Punjab if there is no industry, factories, farming, etc. Bullets will fly on the streets in that case," Gandhi said at Mann's home district.

It is good that politicians are speaking on the drug issue, making it a poll agenda, but what happens after the elections is disappointing. Post-election, politicians on both sides often overlook the issue, which is why the drug menace is deep-rooted.
(With Agencies Inputs)