Ludhiana/Chandigarh, March 18, 2025
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal addressed a huge rally in Ludhiana, focusing on Punjab’s progress under AAP’s governance. Highlighting the fight against drug abuse, the renovation of the Civil Hospital, and the government’s decisive actions against corruption and organized crime, Kejriwal emphasized AAP’s dedication to building a prosperous and drug-free Punjab. He announced transformative initiatives like village sports grounds, anti-drone systems to counter cross-border drug smuggling, and a state-wide drug census to provide targeted rehabilitation for addicts.
Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal expressed gratitude to all those present at today’s rally in Ludhiana. During his address, he paid homage to the late Ludhiana West MLA Gurpreet Gogi, who passed away untimely. "I pray to God for peace to his soul," Kejriwal said solemnly.
The rally marked the inauguration of Ludhiana Civil Hospital’s renovation. Highlighting the transformation, Kejriwal stated, “The Civil Hospital has been completely rejuvenated and is now a magnificent facility. Those who visited earlier know the dreadful state Congress, BJP, and Akali Dal left it in, along with 30,000 rats over their 30 years of misrule. Today, through the efforts of AAP and Sanjeev Arora Ji, the hospital has become a symbol of progress.”
On this occasion, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, AAP Punjab President Aman Arora, Cabinet Ministers, AAP MLAs, leaders and thousands of people were also present.
Kejriwal emphasized AAP's ongoing health revolution in Punjab, pointing to the repair of hospitals and the establishment of mohalla clinics. "Every hospital in Punjab will be improved, and a major health revolution is underway," he declared.
Addressing Punjab’s critical drug problem, Kejriwal criticized previous governments for their role in spreading narcotics. “Drugs didn’t originate in Punjab. We all know which party’s ministers distributed drugs to every household for money. They destroyed an entire generation,” he remarked. Kejriwal also called out opposition leaders for making false promises. “A former CM swore on the Gutka Sahib to eradicate drugs in four weeks but didn’t even step out of his house for five years while the drug trade flourished.”
He asserted that AAP's government is taking unprecedented action against drug trafficking. "We’ve declared a war on drugs. You can see this war unfolding over the past 20 days as the homes of major drug smugglers are being demolished by bulldozers. Huge quantities of drugs worth crores have been seized. For the first time, a government has dared to confront these smugglers head-on," Kejriwal said.
Highlighting the threat from Pakistan, Kejriwal revealed, “70% of drugs in Punjab come from Pakistan via drones. To counter this, anti-drone systems are being procured. Any drone entering Indian territory will be shot down.” Additionally, 5,000 new police personnel will be recruited and stationed along the border in collaboration with the BSF.
Kejriwal announced a statewide public movement against drugs starting April 1. “When the 3 crore people of Punjab rise, these smugglers will have nowhere to hide,” he proclaimed. He urged AAP workers, MLAs, ministers, and even CM Bhagwant Mann to visit villages and spread awareness.
To rehabilitate drug-affected youth, Kejriwal promised treatment facilities and the creation of sports infrastructure across Punjab. "We’re building playgrounds and gyms in every village. For example, volleyball courts have been completed in 87 villages of Tarn Taran,” he shared.
Kejriwal praised Punjab Police’s efforts in the drug war, urging citizens to report drug activities via the confidential helpline (9779100200). He announced a state-wide drug census to identify affected households and ensure proper treatment.
Referring to anti-national activities, Kejriwal highlighted recent actions by Punjab Police. “Yesterday, the terrorist who threw a grenade at the Amritsar temple was neutralized. In Jalandhar, another attacker was injured in police action. Gangsters and criminals are fleeing Punjab as they are feeling fear under our government.”
Kejriwal also addressed corruption, warning officials to mend their ways. "Corruption will not be tolerated. The system is being overhauled to make corruption impossible. Recently, 17 tehsildars were suspended for corruption," he revealed.
Kejriwal reiterated AAP's commitment to urban development. "We will fix broken roads in every village and city. In Punjab’s 166 cities, we’ll ensure clean drinking water, proper sewerage, sanitation, streetlights, and functional roads,” he assured. Additionally, health cards will be issued to all Punjabis, ensuring free treatment for those without Ayushman cards.
Kejriwal concluded by expressing confidence in Sanjeev Arora as the candidate for Ludhiana West. "The corrupt governments are gone, and an honest government is here to serve the people. AAP is committed to delivering on every promise and transforming Punjab into a prosperous state," he affirmed.