Punjab launching anti-drug campaign and census April 1

Arvind Kejriwal, the former chief minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), announced a major anti-drug campaign in Punjab starting April 1. The campaign aims to identify drug addicts through a drug census and provide them with necessary treatment. Kejriwal spoke at an event in Ludhiana, where he encouraged people to report drug-related activities via a new helpline. He praised the Punjab government for its ongoing anti-drug efforts and claimed that it has faced pushback from criminals involved in drug trafficking. He emphasized the urgency of the drug crisis, noting that most narcotics come from Pakistan through drones. As part of their strategy, the government plans to acquire anti-drone technology and recruit more home guards to combat smuggling at the border. Kejriwal urged Punjabis to unite against drugs, stating that community involvement is essential. He promised that AAP workers would conduct door-to-door visits to gather information about drug use. Those in need will be supported, with their privacy protected. Kejriwal also criticized past governments for their inaction regarding drugs. He highlighted that many opposition leaders made promises but failed to take real action. Meanwhile, Punjab Congress President Amarinder Singh Raja Warring criticized Kejriwal and Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann for their presence in Ludhiana, suggesting they were desperate ahead of an upcoming byelection. Another Congress leader, Bharat Bhushan Ashu, defended himself against allegations made by Mann regarding a legal case, claiming it had been dismissed by the court.