Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Monday, 21 September 2026, joined the fourth phase of the Nasha Mukti Yatra in Fazilka, calling the campaign against drugs a societal responsibility that must transcend political lines. Addressing the gathering, Saini stressed that Punjab's once-celebrated prosperity and industrious youth are now under serious threat from the drug menace, and that only a broad-based people's movement can reverse the tide.

What the Nasha Mukti Yatra covers

The Nasha Mukti Yatra, which commenced on 18 September, is scheduled to run until 30 September, covering approximately 4,000 km across all 117 Assembly constituencies of Punjab. Saini described the initiative as part of a wider national effort under Prime Minister Narendra Modi to combat drug abuse with resolve, urging every section of society to actively participate.

Sharp attack on AAP government

Saini reserved pointed criticism for the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, noting that it had pledged to eliminate the drug problem within six months of taking office. Critics argue the situation remains grave even as the government approaches the final phase of its tenure. He also alleged that the AAP administration had failed to honour its promises on youth employment.

Notably, Saini claimed that industrialists from Punjab who met him at his residence in Chandigarh had expressed interest in relocating their businesses to Haryana — to which he said he urged them to stay and invest in Punjab instead, citing the need to generate local employment. He asserted that the people of Punjab had made up their minds for change and predicted that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would be the primary beneficiary.

Haryana's governance record cited

Saini held up Haryana as a governance model, saying his state government has delivered jobs to youth through a transparent recruitment process and has fulfilled 70 of the 217 pre-election commitments so far. He added that schemes for the welfare of women, farmers, low-income groups, and youth have been advanced during his tenure.

Beyond policing: Treatment and sports

The Chief Minister underscored that the anti-drug campaign cannot rely on law enforcement alone. He called for simultaneous progress on treatment, rehabilitation, sports, and employment as pillars of a comprehensive strategy. Haryana, he said, currently provides free treatment at de-addiction centres and is actively channelling youth energy into sports and other constructive pursuits.

With the Yatra set to conclude on 30 September, all eyes are on whether the campaign can build durable grassroots momentum beyond the political calendar.