The Bhagwant Mann-led government’s latest initiative to intensify the fight against drugs — through strict performance reviews of police leadership — is a welcome and necessary move. For a state that has seen generations devastated by substance abuse, even a hint of seriousness in action sparks hope. But as history has shown us, in Punjab, good intentions alone have never been enough. This time, results must follow.
Past governments have made grand promises. Captain Amarinder Singh, in an emotional moment at Talwandi Sabo, vowed on the sacred Gutka Sahib to eradicate drugs within four weeks. No one can deny that his intent was genuine. He even appointed Harpreet Sidhu, a tough and upright IPS officer, to head a Special Task Force against drugs. Yet, despite these steps, his campaign faltered.
Why did it fail? Because, probably, political compulsions proved stronger than administrative will. Because deep-rooted syndicates, some with political patronage, were too entrenched to be dislodged by words alone.
Captain Amarinder’s anti-drug rhetoric, once his biggest electoral strength, ultimately became his greatest political sore point. His inability to deliver on his sacred promise eroded public trust and contributed heavily to internal party conflict — and ultimately to his political downfall.
Bhagwant Mann must take this as a serious warning. Lofty rhetoric without visible, lasting results can quickly become a political liability — and more importantly, it would be another devastating betrayal of Punjab’s youth.
The situation today is even more alarming. The rise of gangsterism in Punjab is intimately connected with the drug trade. In many ways, Punjab is facing a form of narco-terrorism. The recent tensions along the international border near Pahalgam may disrupt smuggling routes temporarily, but without systemic reforms, traffickers will adapt, find new pathways, or start manufacturing locally.
As an engineer, I know that a triangular structure is the strongest engineering structure. Punjab’s drug problem is sustained by a dangerous triangle of politicians, police, and gangsters/drug traders. This unholy syndicate protects, perpetuates, and profits from the misery of ordinary citizens. Unless this triangle is decisively broken, no anti-drug drive will succeed beyond cosmetic victories.
Internal cleansing of the police force must be the government’s first and most urgent step. Following this, unwavering action against political protectors of the drug trade — no matter how powerful — is essential. Without this, every campaign risks becoming yet another public relations exercise.
Meanwhile, the ongoing debate about legalizing soft drugs like, bhuki, opium, cannabis to counter the menace of hard drugs like heroin and chitta deserves careful, evidence-based study. Emotional reactions or populist moves will not solve a problem that demands well thought off, long-term strategies.
I genuinely appreciate the Bhagwant Mann government’s resolve to act — it gives a sense of fresh hope. But this hope is fragile. It must be nurtured with visible, sustained, and courageous action — not allowed to wither under political pressures.
This is not just another campaign.
This is Punjab’s last real chance for change.
Our youth deserve a future free from the chains of addiction. Our mothers, parents, farmers, workers, and families deserve to live without the shadow of fear and despair. Punjab’s spirit is too strong, too proud, and too precious to be lost to drugs.
Best wishes to Bhagwant Mann and his government because: failure is no longer an option.