EDITOR-IN-CHIEF.VINAY KOCHHAR/PUNJAB/CHANDIGARH.
The issue of drug addiction has now taken center stage in Punjab politics, replacing sectarian issues. With the entry of Union Home Minister Amit Shah into the fray, the BJP has made drug addiction a major election issue in the upcoming assembly elections, placing the Aam Aadmi Party, Akali Dal, and Congress in a difficult position. Amit Shah’s visit to Punjab has once again intensified the political climate around the drug issue in Punjab.
There was a time when sectarian issues like the desecration of the Sri Guru Granth Sahib, missing sacred images, and religious controversies dictated the political direction. Governments had to address issues involving religious sentiments. Now, drug addiction, gangsterism, murders, and law and order are becoming the focus of political debate. Amit Shah’s return to Punjab within twenty days indicates that the BJP will keep this issue at the center of political debate until polling day.
The political power of sectarian issues linked to religious sentiments and Sikh institutions
The political power of sectarian issues has been linked to religious sentiments and Sikh institutions. However, when ordinary families face issues of drug addiction, unemployment, and the future of youth, political priorities shift. Cases like the murder of an anti-drug activist have raised serious questions about the role of security and administration.
Challenges for Major Parties
For the BJP, drug addiction is an issue that can increase its political acceptance in Punjab. The party sees an opportunity to corner the government on law and order, security, and the drug trade. Amit Shah’s announcement of a 2029 deadline also provides the party with a clear electoral promise. The Shiromani Akali Dal faces the most complex challenge. It must prove its credibility on drug addiction, employment, and law and order. The Akali Dal will also have to restore voters’ confidence in the past drug abuse allegations associated with its rule.
Data from Previous Governments Against Drugs
Data on actions taken against drug addiction in Punjab by various governments has been released. From 2002 to 2007, the Congress government seized 111 kilograms of heroin and 8.3 million injections and tablets. During the Akali-BJP government from 2007 to 2012, 1,049 kilograms of heroin and 50 million injections and tablets were seized. In the 2017 elections, Congress promised to eradicate drug abuse, but the issue persisted. In 2022, the Aam Aadmi Party government promised strict action against drug traffickers and launched the “War Against Drugs” campaign in February 2025. The government has reported recovering over 5,600 kilograms of heroin and arresting over 10,000 drug traffickers in its first four years.
Political Battle…Who promises to free Punjab from drugs?
Political analyst PARKASH says that the biggest political battle in 2027 will be over who promises to free Punjab from drugs and who can prove their claims on the ground. The final decision will be determined by reducing drug availability, cracking down on major drug trafficking networks, rehabilitating youth, and tangible improvements in law and order.###USA###UK###CANADA###PUNJAB###AMIT-SHAH###BJP###CHANDIGARH###INDIA###AUSTRALIA###NEWZEALAND###AUSTRIA###SINGAPORE###ROME###ITLAY###GERMANY###FRANCE###