Ludhiana/Chandigarh, April 1
AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal today addressed AAP's Executive Summit in Ludhiana, outlining the Aam Aadmi Party's mission to eliminate drugs from Punjab. Calling it a crucial step for the state's future, Kejriwal assured the gathering of AAP volunteers that this mission is not just a goal but a collective commitment that will unite every individual in Punjab to free the state from the clutches of drugs.
Addressing the AAP volunteers Kejriwal said, "You are the ones who worked day and night to establish AAP's government in Punjab. Today’s meeting is of great importance as we are gathered here for a single mission — to eradicate drugs from Punjab. I strongly believe that if every person here takes an oath to remove drugs from Punjab, then no one can stop us from achieving this goal."
AAP Leaders and Volunteers, along with Arvind Kejriwal, took the oath, "I am the true son of Punjab's sacred soil. I am a true volunteer of the Aam Aadmi Party. Today, I swear by the soil of Punjab. That I will never consume drugs myself. I will make every effort to keep my friends, family, and society away from drugs. Wherever I see drugs being sold, I will inform the police. I will not be afraid. Because in this fight, God is with me. I will choose education, not drugs; I will choose progress, not destruction; and I will choose revolution, not silence. As a true soldier of the Aam Aadmi Party, I swear that I will not rest until Punjab is free from drugs."
Kejriwal said that over the past month unprecedented actions have been taken to combat the drug menace. "What has been achieved in the last month is something that no one has witnessed in 75 years," he remarked, outlining the extent of the efforts being made to tackle drug trafficking and its associated networks.
Kejriwal further added, "Thousands of drug traffickers have been arrested in just one month. These are the same traffickers whose names sent chills down the spines of people. Today, they are being arrested, and bulldozers are demolishing the homes of drug dealers. Large quantities of drugs and money have been recovered, including funds that were sent to Pakistan through hawala channels. Even the hawala operators are being arrested."
In a clear message to the drug peddlers, Kejriwal stated, "If anyone dares to confront the police in an encounter, the police will not hesitate to take action. The message is clear: either stop selling drugs or leave Punjab."
Kejriwal also highlighted the dramatic decline in Punjab’s ranking in terms of per capita income, from being number one to now being in 18th place. He attributed this decline to the political figures who have sold Punjab’s youth for power and money. "Those responsible for bringing drugs to Punjab, who sold the youth of Punjab for the sake of power, will not be spared. They will face justice," he added.
He contrasted AAP’s efforts with the promises made by the Congress party, reminding the gathering of their failed promises. "Congress had taken an oath with a Gutka Sahib, claiming they would end drugs in Punjab within four weeks, but when they came to power, they did nothing," Kejriwal said.
Reaffirming AAP’s commitment to honest governance, he said, "AAP’s government is an honest government. We will never be a government that can be bought. We are taking strict action against drug traffickers, and there will be no compromise on this issue."
Addressing the gathering of Kejriwal urged volunteers to continue their efforts at the grassroots level. "If drug peddlers come to sell drugs in your village, do not allow them. And do not be afraid, because the police and administration are with you," Kejriwal assured them. He called on the block presidents to go to their villages and spread the message that no drug dealer would be allowed to sell drugs in their villages.
Kejriwal announced, "I had earlier said that from April 1, we would begin our visits to every village. However, due to the ongoing harvest season, we are postponing this by a month. But starting tomorrow, we will start a padyatra in cities with school and college children, where they will take an oath not to use drugs themselves and to ensure no one sells drugs in Punjab."
He also outlined the future steps in the campaign, stating that from May 1, he, along with the party leaders, CM, cabinet ministers, MLAs, and administrative officers, would visit every village. "Block presidents will visit ten villages each and spread the message that no drug peddler will be allowed in the village. The government has set up a Village Defence Committee against drugs, and we will work closely with them to ensure the eradication of drugs from our villages," Kejriwal explained.
To further engage the youth and promote healthy lifestyles, Kejriwal announced, "We are setting up playgrounds across Punjab, and every village will soon have a playground where the youth can engage in sports and stay away from drugs."
With a commitment to creating a drug-free Punjab, Kejriwal assured the party leaders and volunteers that their party would continue to fight for a better, healthier, and prosperous future for the people of Punjab.