In a high-powered political gathering, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supremo Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann on Tuesday addressed party volunteers and leaders in Ludhiana, setting forth a roadmap for Punjab’s development and announcing an all-out war against drugs. The event, held at a prominent hotel on Ferozepur Road, saw senior party leaders, including state unit in-charge Manish Sisodia and state unit president Aman Arora, also sharing their vision for Punjab's future. 

Kejriwal, in his speech, emphasized that Punjab would no longer be known for drug abuse but for its progress. He administered a pledge to thousands of AAP volunteers, urging them to work relentlessly to rid the state of the drug menace. 

Outlining the party’s achievements in tackling drugs, Kejriwal said: “What has happened in Punjab in the past one month has not happened anywhere in India in 75 years. The AAP government has arrested thousands of drug traffickers, demolished their homes, and dismantled their financial networks. Police have been given a free hand to crack down on this trade.”

He assured the people that Punjab was no longer a safe haven for drug lords. “Those who once operated with impunity are either behind bars or on the run. We have recovered huge sums of drug money being funneled through illegal channels, even hawala networks,” Kejriwal said. He also warned traffickers: “Either stop selling drugs or leave Punjab.”

Taking a veiled dig at previous governments, Kejriwal accused them of patronizing drug lords. “We all know who brought drugs into Punjab. We also remember a party that swore on the Gutka Sahib to eradicate drugs in four weeks. But what happened? Their own people were part of the nexus,” he said. 

Kejriwal called on AAP workers to be vigilant, stating that local committees would be formed in villages to identify drug peddlers. “If someone comes to sell drugs in your village, do not let them. The police and administration are with you. We will win this battle,” he asserted. 

Punjab Chief Minister Mann, addressing the gathering, reinforced the government’s commitment to education, healthcare, and employment. He highlighted AAP’s work over the past two years, stating, “Before AAP, no political party even mentioned education and healthcare in their manifestos. Today, every party is forced to talk about them because of the revolution AAP has brought.”

Mann took pride in AAP’s growing presence in Punjab. “In 2022, the people of Punjab gave us a record 92 seats. Now, our strength has increased to 95. Thousands of AAP sarpanches, mayors, and councillors are working across the State. The people trust us because we are an honest party,” he said. 

Announcing employment initiatives, Mann declared, “Today, we have handed over 700 new appointment letters, taking our total to 54,003 government jobs in the last two years. Soon, 2,000 more teaching positions will be filled.” He emphasized that unlike previous governments, AAP does not use “empty treasury” as an excuse. “The treasury was looted earlier. Now, it is being used for the people,” he added. 

Mann also addressed Punjab’s farmers, announcing that paddy transplantation will begin from June 1 instead of the usual mid-June, thanks to improved electricity and canal irrigation. “We are building over 15,000 kilometers of irrigation canals and ensuring uninterrupted electricity,” he said. 

One of the event's highlights was the oath-taking ceremony led by Kejriwal. Thousands of AAP volunteers, standing in unison, pledged: “I am the true son of Punjab’s sacred soil. I am a true AAP volunteer. Today, I swear by Punjab’s soil that I will never consume drugs. I will strive to keep my friends, family, and society away from drugs. Wherever I see drugs being sold, I will inform the police. I will not fear, because God is with me. I choose education over addiction. I choose progress over destruction. I choose revolution over silence. Until Punjab is free from drugs, I will not rest.”

Kejriwal revealed that the AAP Government, along with police and administration, will visit every village from May 1 to engage with people and intensify the crackdown.

As Kejriwal and Mann departed, the chants of “Punjab Jittuga, Nasha Haarega” (Punjab will win, Drugs will lose) echoed across the gathering, marking the beginning of an intensified campaign against drugs and corruption. 

AAP’ Punjab unit in-charge Manish Sisodia, despite being embroiled in legal battles, was present in spirit through a recorded message. He expressed gratitude to Kejriwal for entrusting him with Punjab. “Punjab is not just another state for us. It is the heart of AAP’s movement. Our volunteers do not seek political positions; they only want to see a drug-free Punjab,” he said. 

AAP Punjab president Aman Arora set the tone for the 2027 elections, stating, “In 2022, we made history. In 2027, we will surpass our previous victory. Punjab is just the beginning; this is a movement that will shape India’s future.”

AAP’s Roadmap for Punjab

The meeting concluded with AAP laying out its key priorities for the coming months:

·         War Against Drugs: Strict action against traffickers, community engagement, and police empowerment

·         Education and Jobs: More govt school reforms; 2,000 new teaching jobs; improved infrastructure

·         Healthcare: Expansion of Mohalla Clinics and better hospital facilities

·         Agriculture and Farmers: Early paddy transplantation, enhanced irrigation, continued free electricity

·         Infrastructure Development: Strengthening road networks, closing unnecessary toll plazas, and modernizing Punjab’s industrial sector