Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, is set to visit Punjab for a single day on September 21. His itinerary includes the inauguration of the ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’, a public rally, and interactions with farmers and women from self-help groups. The visit aims to address the ongoing issue of drug abuse, which has become a significant concern in the state.

Chouhan’s tour will start in Bathinda district, where he will first pay his respects at Takht Sri Damdama Sahib located in Talwandi Sabo. This shrine holds religious significance and is a vital aspect of the visit, providing Chouhan an opportunity to connect with local sentiments before diving into the main agendas of the day.

Following his visit to the shrine, the minister will officially flag off the ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’ at Ravidassia Chowk in Talwandi Sabo. At this location, he is expected to participate in an anti-drug awareness march, underscoring the campaign’s focus on combating substance abuse in the state.

Public Rally and Community Engagement

In the later hours of the morning, Chouhan will head to Maiser Khana for a significant public rally, which is a key event of the ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’. This rally aims to mobilise public support against drug addiction and engage communities in the fight against this social issue. The BJP expects high attendance, reflecting widespread concern regarding drug-related challenges.

Additionally, Chouhan is scheduled to visit Gurdwara Tittarsar Sahib for a community langar, where he will participate in sharing meals with local residents. This aspect of the visit highlights the minister’s intention to engage with the community on a personal level, reinforcing the cultural values of sharing and togetherness amid urgent social concerns.

The day’s activities will culminate with an agrarian outreach programme at the Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) in Bathinda. Here, Chouhan will interact with local farmers and female members of Self-Help Groups (SHG), known as ‘Didis’. The focus of this interaction will be to review agricultural schemes and discuss ways to enhance rural livelihoods and community initiatives led by women.

Context of Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra

The ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’ was officially launched on September 18 by BJP National President Nitin Nabin in Pathankot. The initiative comes as the Punjab Assembly elections approach, aiming to build support for the BJP by addressing the pressing issue of drug abuse across the state. Four yatras are planned to traverse all 117 Assembly constituencies as part of this awareness campaign ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.

The campaign gained urgency following the tragic death of Gulzar Singh, a Dalit labourer from Sangrur. Singh reportedly died by suicide after enduring harassment and casteist remarks for questioning a state minister about the rampant circulation of synthetic drugs, particularly after losing his son to addiction. This incident highlights the devastating impact of drug abuse on families and communities, reinforcing the necessity for heightened awareness and action.

The BJP aims to leverage the Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra as a platform not only to address drug-related issues but also to rally support for its political agenda as the elections loom. By engaging both urban and rural populations, the party seeks to create significant momentum ahead of the electoral process in Punjab.

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