HOSHIARPURA- Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal today appealed to the people to ensure that the seeds of drug menace are completely wiped out from the state.
Addressing the public meeting here before administering the oath to the people, the Chief Minister said that the drug menace in the state was a legacy of the previous governments which ignored the welfare of Punjab, leaving the state in a pathetic state. Seeking full cooperation of the people in the war against drugs, he said that the curse of drugs was a blot on the face of the state and it had taken the State Government more than two years to root out this curse. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that now the supply line of drugs has been broken, the big fish involved in this heinous crime have been put behind bars, rehabilitation of drug victims has been ensured and the property of drug traffickers has been confiscated and destroyed.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government has launched a war against drugs in the form of 'Yuddh Naashon Viruddh' with the aim of making the State drug free. He sought the full cooperation of the people to turn this war against drugs into a mass movement. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that just as this village has declared itself drug free by cooperating fully with the police, the same should be replicated in other parts of the State.
The Chief Minister said that if Punjabis have taken a firm resolve to make the State drug free, then nobody can stop us from this noble task. He said that every inch of this holy land has been touched by the feet of great Gurus, Pirs, Prophets and Martyrs who have shown us the way to firmly oppose tyranny and injustice. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that following in their footsteps, the State Government has launched a campaign against drugs.
The Chief Minister said that it is a matter of happiness that a large number of women participated in this function, which is a good sign. He said that if women come forward in such a big way to eliminate any threat, then very soon this threat will be eliminated. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day is not far when the state will become completely drug free with the active participation of the women of Punjab.
The Chief Minister said that in the past, the leaders of the state used to endanger the interests of Punjab, while today the state government is focusing on the overall development and prosperity of the state. He said that earlier the leaders were afraid of meeting the people, while today the state government is interacting with the people and taking feedback from them. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that every effort would be made to protect the interests of the state and its people by making them active participants in the socio-economic development of the state.
Taking a dig at the leaders of traditional parties, the Chief Minister said that those who install gold taps in their bathrooms and monopolize canal water for their private farms can never understand the struggle of the common citizens. Highlighting their downfall, Bhagwant Singh Mann said that these leaders have been completely rejected by the people of the state. He said that these leaders are paying the price for their sins and most of these politicians are now either behind bars or running for bail.
The Chief Minister asserted that Punjabis have always achieved their goals with determination and the same determination will ensure victory in this crucial battle. 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 the State will accomplish this noble task with the active cooperation of Punjabis.
Speaking of the emotional connect with Hoshiarpur, the Chief Minister lauded the district for its high literacy rate and historical significance and said that the Punjab University was established here after Independence. He also praised the local village for earning the distinction of being a drug free zone, which reflects the collective will of the people. Bhagwant Singh Mann lauded the untiring efforts being made by the AAP MLAs of Hoshiarpur constituency for the development of the area and said that the development works in the area will be expedited.
Reiterating his commitment to the people, the Chief Minister said that he is not here to share in the buses or restaurants or businesses of the people. He said that our government is sharing the miseries of the common man, for which he is fully committed. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the campaign to ensure the well-being of the state and prosperity of the people will continue till his last breath.
The Chief Minister said that the State Government has strongly opposed the move of the Centre, BBMB and Haryana Government to steal the water of the State. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the old leaders used to do anti-state work on a large scale for their selfish interests but being the custodians of the State's water, they would never allow this to happen. He said that Punjab has upgraded its canal water system and now water is needed to meet the needs of the farmers of the State in view of the paddy season. He made it clear that Punjab does not have even a drop of surplus water to share with other States.
The Chief Minister said that the Punjab Government will save the water of the State and the youth and 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 on the basis of merit. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the move is aimed at making the youth active participants in the socio-economic development of the State.