Bengal campaign its model, why Punjab BJP steps up for Nasha Mukti Yatra before polls

Bengal campaign its model, why Punjab BJP steps up for Nasha Mukti Yatra before polls Punjab BJP chief Kewal Singh Dhillon notes four yatras would commence from four corners of the state during September 15-20, whose central plank would be drug menace.

Key points

• 6 min read Patiala Sep 7, 2026 05: 20 AM IST First published on: Sep 7, 2026 at 05: 20 AM IST.
• According to the latest administration data, between March 1, 2025 and September 3, 2026, the Safe Punjab Helpline received 51, 979 tip-offs.
• The BJP's campaign will unfold alongside the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government's Yudh Nasheyan Virudh campaign, introduced on March 1, 2025.
• Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh and former Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu are among those who have shared such videos.
• The date of the Yatra is yet to be finalised, but it will start sometime between September 15 and 20.

BJP's National general secretary (organisation) BL Santosh (right) and state president Kewal Dhillon after a session in Ludhiana on Tuesday. (Express Photo by Gurmeet Singh). Written by: Raakhi Jagga. By: Punjab BJP Nasha Mukti Yatra.

From the Parivartan Yatra in West Bengal ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections to the proposed Nasha Mukti Yatra in Punjab before the 2027 polls, the BJP is increasingly turning to yatras to take its political messaging directly to voters.

For context, the Punjab BJP is working on the details of its Nasha Mukti Yatra. It is proposed to cover all 117 Assembly constituencies and culminate in Jalandhar. The dates are yet to be finalised, but the Yatra is projected to commence during 15-20 September and continue for regarding 15-20 days.

State BJP president Kewal Singh Dhillon remarked four yatras would commence simultaneously from four corners of the state – Madhopur in Pathankot, Talwandi Sabo in Bathinda district, Anandpur Sahib in Rupnagar district, and Fazilka district. They will take separate routes before converging in Jalandhar, where a senior BJP leader is projected to address a public gathering. Sources remarked Union Home Minister Amit Shah is anticipated to attend the concluding event.

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"The date of the Yatra is yet to be finalised, but it will start sometime between September 15 and 20. Four yatras will commence simultaneously from the four corners of Punjab. After well-defined routes, they will converge in Jalandhar, " Dhillon informed The Indian Express.

In practice, the Yatra will be organised as a roadshow, with halts at various locations for public meetings and interactions, he remarked.

For context, the BJP intends to raise matters including law and order, minimum backing rate (MSP) for farmers and dearness allowance (DA) for administration employees. But Dhillon remarked the drug menace would remain the central theme.

"No doubt, there are problems like gangsterism and law and order as well, but nasha is the topmost problem affecting everyone. While plenty of others live in fear that their children may fall prey to drugs as of their straightforward availability, plenty of families are affected as there are addicts in their houses. That is why this Yatra is significant, " he stated. Fake or real? AI twist to AAP-Congress-BJP's Punjab poll battle.

For context, the BJP's focus on drugs has been visible on its social media platforms for a number of weeks. While questioning the Punjab government's claims concerning its Yudh Nasheyan Virudh campaign, party leaders have shared videos purportedly showing young individuals under the influence of drugs in public places.

Rajya Sabha MP Harbhajan Singh and former Union minister Ravneet Singh Bittu are among those who have shared such videos. The AAP administration, even so, has questioned the authenticity of some of the clips, alleging that they were either fake or not from Punjab.

In practice, the Punjab BJP's official social media handles have additionally highlighted the problem through videos featuring interactions with villagers and families who have triggered concern regarding the alleged availability of drugs in their areas.

Meanwhile, the proposed Yatra will seek to take this campaign beyond social media. According to party leaders, the BJP intends to travel through both villages and urban areas, hold public rallies and interact with families affected by drug addiction. A number of areas identified by the party as drug hotspots could additionally be part of the Yatra routes.

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"As the Parivartan Yatra travelled throughout the length and breadth of West Bengal in March, the Nasha Mukti Yatra will take us to villages and urban areas throughout Punjab. We will hold public rallies and interact with affected families. Our entire leadership is at present busy finalising the routes and other arrangements, " Dhillon stated.

Notably, the BJP is additionally looking to replicate the organisational scale of its successful Bengal campaign. "You can call it the launch of our poll campaign, although we are already in full poll mode, " Dhillon remarked. 'One national leader a day'.

In practice, the Yatra is projected to show the climbed involvement of the BJP central leadership in Punjab. It is slated for the Assembly polls in February 2027.

In practice, the party leadership has stepped up its visits to the state in recent months. BJP national president Nitin Nabin visited Punjab in June, followed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Jalandhar on July 17. While newly appointed state BJP in-charge Satish Poonia toured the state from August 31 to September 2, BJP national general secretary (organisation) B L Santhosh visited the state on August 24 and 25.

"The Yatra will continue for 15-20 days and every day, a national leader – either a Union minister, Minister of State or someone from the central leadership – will be seen in Punjab, " Dhillon remarked. Setting house in order.

Meanwhile, the BJP's proposed mobilisation comes against the backdrop of efforts by the party central leadership to address differences within the state unit.

According to a senior BJP leader, Poonia has asked the state party leaders to resolve internal differences and strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level.

"One clear-cut message from Poonia was to sort out the dissent within the party before the start of the Yatra. He additionally believes in micro-management of workers right down to the booth level, " the leader stated, requesting anonymity.

Dhillon, nevertheless, played down reports of dissent. "There is hardly any dissent in the party. Show-cause notices were issued to three or four leaders for indiscipline, but they are our own individuals and the matters will be resolved shortly, " he remarked.

Meanwhile, the BJP's campaign will unfold alongside the Bhagwant Mann-led AAP government's Yudh Nasheyan Virudh campaign, introduced on March 1, 2025. The Mann administration has projected the drive as a sustained crackdown on drug trafficking, involving enforcement, seizures, arrests, public participation and de-addiction efforts.

According to the latest administration data, between March 1, 2025 and September 3, 2026, the Safe Punjab Helpline received 51, 979 tip-offs. It resulted in 25, 339 drug-related arrests. During the same period, 59, 293 FIRs were registered under the NDPS Act.

Notably, the BJP seems to be looking to build a counter-narrative: that despite the government's claims of arrests and seizures, drugs remain readily available and continue to affect families throughout the state.

Meanwhile, the party had signalled earlier this year that drugs would be a major electoral matter. Addressing a "Badlaav Rally" in Moga on March 14, Amit Shah had remarked the BJP would eradicate the drug menace in Punjab within two years if voted to power.

"As of now, nasha mukti is the foremost matter. We are seized of the fact that it has affected a sizeable population of Punjab, " Dhillon remarked.

For now, bengal campaign its model, why Punjab BJP steps up for Nasha Mukti remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.