Kejriwal and Mann Flag Off Anti-Drug Walk Ahead of Governor's Padyatra
On the eve of Punjab Governor Gulab Chand Kataria’s planned anti-drug padyatra, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann today flagged off a parallel march against drug abuse in Ludhiana, under the campaign Yudh Nashian Virudh (War Against Drugs).
The main padyatra, led by Governor Kataria, is scheduled to begin on April 3 near the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor in Dera Baba Nanak, Gurdaspur, and will conclude on April 8 at the historic Jallianwala Bagh in Amritsar. Over the course of six days, the Governor will walk through several villages in Gurdaspur and Amritsar districts, engaging with citizens and raising awareness about the dangers of drug addiction.
In Ludhiana, the launch of the anti-drug campaign saw participation from hundreds of students, including members of the National Cadet Corps (NCC) and the National Service Scheme (NSS). The participants marched from Aarti Chowk to Ghumar Mandi Chowk, holding placards with strong messages against drug abuse.
Kejriwal, accompanied by senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia, addressed the crowd alongside Chief Minister Mann. The leaders administered an anti-drug oath to the gathered youth before officially flagging off the walk.
Issuing a stern warning to drug traffickers, Chief Minister Mann said, “We will not allow anyone to destroy lives. Those involved in this dirty trade will face bulldozer action. Their mansions built from drug money are already being demolished — and this is just the beginning.”
Kejriwal, in an emotional address, urged students to see him as a father or elder brother, and appealed to them to steer clear of drugs and negative influences. “All parents dream of a bright future for their children. But drugs destroy everything — your dreams, your family, your life. Don’t let that happen to you,” he said.
With folded hands, he implored the youth, “Please stay away from drugs. Don’t fall into bad company. If you know someone who is addicted, help them get out of it. And if you know a drug peddler, report them through the helpline.”
The Delhi Chief Minister announced three key pledges for students: to never consume drugs, to support those struggling with addiction, and to report any drug-related activities to the authorities.
The Ludhiana event marked a strong and symbolic beginning to a state-wide movement aimed at eradicating drug abuse through both enforcement and community participation.
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