“Zindagi Zindabad, No Murdabad”: Bhagwant Mann Rallies Punjab in Renewed Anti-Drug Push:
Prime Vista News
Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann launches phase two of the anti-drug drive, urging public support and highlighting arrests, seizures and village sports plans.
Moga, Punjab: Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann on Sunday intensified his government’s anti-drug campaign, urging citizens to treat the battle against narcotics as a collective responsibility rather than a state-led initiative alone.
Addressing a large Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) rally at Killi Chahal village in Moga district, Mann framed the campaign as a moral and social movement aimed at protecting Punjab’s youth. “Zindagi zindabad, no murdabad,” he declared, positioning the fight as one centred on life, hope and renewal.
The Chief Minister formally announced the second phase of the anti-drug drive, first launched on March 1, 2025. His appearance at the rally followed speculation over whether he would attend, adding political weight to the gathering.
A Political and Social Offensive
Mann used the platform to criticise previous governments, accusing them of allowing the drug problem to deepen. He alleged that past administrations had failed to act decisively, enabling networks that harmed families and communities.
“Punjab was deliberately weakened,” he said, claiming that drugs eroded both social and economic stability. He maintained that the current government is focused on dismantling supply chains, expanding rehabilitation services and prosecuting those involved in trafficking.
The Chief Minister described the campaign as having evolved into a “Lok Lehar” a people’s movement arguing that public trust has grown as visible enforcement actions increased.
Enforcement Figures and Community Involvement
According to figures shared at the rally, more than 1.5 lakh people have enrolled in Village Defence Committees (VDCs), with over 70,000 identity cards issued. Members are provided access to a mobile application to confidentially share information about suspected drug activity.
Mann said authorities have received more than 33,000 tips through this mechanism, resulting in approximately 17,000 arrests. He assured attendees that the identities of informants are protected.
Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said over 34,000 FIRs have been registered in drug-related cases, with nearly 45,000 arrests. He also claimed that Punjab has achieved a conviction rate exceeding 90 per cent under the NDPS Act.
Punjab Health Minister Dr Balbir Singh stated that 2,046 kilograms of drugs were seized in 2025. He added that around 25,000 individuals have undergone rehabilitation under the campaign.
At the rally, VDC members who assisted in the seizure of 43 kg of heroin were publicly honoured with cash awards, reinforcing the government’s emphasis on community participation.
Redirecting Youth Energy
Alongside enforcement, Mann announced steps aimed at prevention and youth engagement. He said playgrounds are being developed in every village across Punjab as part of a broader push to revive the state’s sporting culture.
“Punjab was once known for producing athletes and wrestlers,” he said, suggesting that strengthening sports infrastructure would provide young people with alternatives to substance abuse.
The Chief Minister also highlighted employment and agriculture measures, stating that 60,000 government jobs have been provided and that daytime electricity supply to farmers has been ensured.
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National Leadership Presence
AAP national convener Arvind Kejriwal attended the rally, signaling the party’s backing of the campaign. He accused the BJP, Congress and Shiromani Akali Dal (Badal) of previously patronizing drug networks allegations that have been a recurring theme in Punjab’s political discourse.
“This battle cannot be fought by the government alone,” Kejriwal said, urging villages and households to socially and politically isolate those linked to narcotics.
Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia described VDC members as “live cameras” of the state, underlining the administration’s reliance on grassroots intelligence.
Chief Secretary KAP Sinha emphasised that public cooperation remains central to sustaining momentum.
A Renewed Phase
The rally concluded with VDC members taking a collective oath, led by the Chief Minister, pledging to keep their villages drug-free.
As the second phase of the campaign begins, the government appears focused on combining enforcement statistics with symbolic messaging and community mobilisation. Whether the approach delivers lasting structural change will likely depend on sustained coordination between law enforcement, local bodies and residents.
For now, Mann’s message was clear: the anti-drug drive is not positioned as a temporary crackdown, but as an ongoing civic mission.
