JALALPUR (Hoshiapur): Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and National Convener of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday urged the people to ensure that the seeds of the drug menace are wiped out completely from the state.
Addressing the gathering after administering oath to people here today, the Chief Minister said that the drug problem plaguing the state is a grim legacy of previous governments that neglected Punjab’s welfare, leading to a sorry state of affairs. Soliciting fulsome support and cooperation of people in the war against drugs, he said that the scourge of drugs was a blot on the face of the state and it took more than two years to the state government to chalk out a strategy for wiping out this curse. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that subsequently the supply line of drugs was snapped, big fishes involved in this heinous crime were put behind the bars, rehabilitation of the drug victims was ensured and even the property of the drug smugglers was confiscated and destroyed.
The Chief Minister said that the state government has launched a war against drugs in the form of Yudh Nasheyan Virudh the aim of which is to clean the state. He solicited fulsome support and cooperation of people in this war against drugs to transform it into a mass movement. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that as the village has declared itself drug free after giving full support to the Police in the same manner it must be replicated in other parts of the stat
The Chief Minister said that if Punjabis have made a firm resolve to make the state drug free then no one can stop us from this noble cause. He said that every inch of this sacred land has the footprint of great Gurus, saints, seers and martyrs, who have shown us the way to oppose tyranny, injustice and oppression. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that walking on their footsteps only the state government has launched a crusade against drugs.
The Chief Minister said that it is heartening to see that a large number of women were participating in this function, which is a good sign. He said that if the women rise in such a big way to eliminate any menace then that it will be wiped out very soon. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day is not far when the state will be completely drug free with the active participation of the women in the state.
The Chief Minister said that contrary to earlier time when the leaders of the state used to jeopardize the interests of Punjab, the state government today is focusing on overall growth and prosperity of the state. He said that the earlier leaders were afraid of meeting the people whereas the state government today is interacting with the people and seeking their feedback. Bhagwant Singh Mann every effort will be made to safeguard the interests of the state and its people by making them an active partner in social economic development of the state.
Taking a sharp dig at leaders of the traditional parties, the Chief Minister said that those who installed gold taps in their bathrooms and monopolized canal waters for personal farms can never understand the struggles of ordinary citizens. Highlighting their downfall, Bhagwant Singh Mann pointed out that these leaders were outrightly rejected by the people of the state. He said that these leaders are paying for their sins adding that most of these politicians are now either behind the bars or are running for bail.
The Chief Minister emphasized that Punjabis have always achieved their goals with determination, and the same resolve will ensure victory in this momentous fight. He said that the state government is firmly committed to make Punjab drug free and no stone will be left unturned in this noble cause. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day is not far when with the active support and cooperation of the Punjabis, the state will accomplish this noble task.
Striking an emotional chord with Hoshiarpur, the Chief Minister praised the district for its high literacy rate and historical significance, noting that the first post-independence Punjab University was established there. He also lauded a local village for earning the distinction of being a drug-free zone, showcasing the collective will of its residents. Bhagwant Singh Mann commended the AAP MLAs from Hoshiarpur for their relentless efforts in driving development in the region adding that development projects in the area would be expedited.
Reaffirming his commitment to the people, the Chief Minister said that they are not here to own buses or restaurants or to seek a share in the ventures of people. However, he said that his government is there to share the struggles, agonies and sorrows of the common man for which they are committed to full core. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the aim and drive to ensure well being of the state and prosperity of the people will continue till his last breath.
The Chief Minister said that the state government vehemently opposed the draconian move of centre, BBMB and Haryana government to steal waters of the state. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that his predecessors used to extend such largesse for their vested interests but as a custodian of waters of the state he will never allow this adding that as Punjab has upgraded its canal water system so now it requires water to cater to needs of the farmers of the state in wake of ensuing paddy season. He categorically said that Punjab doesn’t have even a single drop of water to share with the other states.
The Chief Minister said that the state government will save the water and youth of the state adding that no stone will be left unturned for this noble cause. He said that the state government has already given more than 54000 jobs to the youth purely on the basis of merit. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the move is aimed at making youth an active partner in socio-economic development of the state.