BSP launches ‘Jantak Abhiyan’ to fight drug menace in Punjab

Commemorating the birth anniversary of Late Kanshi Ram, the founder of the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), the Punjab unit of BSP has launched the “Jantak Abhiyan” (Mass Movement) against drugs. The campaign, aimed at eradicating the drug menace in Punjab, will be carried out across all villages and blocks of the state.

The announcement was made by Avtar Singh Karimpuri, BSP Punjab President, during the state-level “Punjab Sambhalo Rally” held in Phagwara on Saturday. Karimpuri stated that the “Jantak Abhiyan” will work to raise awareness about the devastating effects of drugs, and he appealed to the people of Punjab to support the movement.

During his address, Karimpuri criticised the state government’s handling of the drug crisis, alleging that the AAP-led Punjab government was not taking serious steps to tackle the issue. He claimed that the government’s campaigns against drugs were mere publicity stunts, targeting small drug abusers and sellers for media attention, while large-scale drug suppliers remained untouched. He accused the state government and the police under AAP of failing to address the root causes of the drug problem.

Karimpuri demanded an immediate screening of police personnel and legal action against those involved in supporting drug rackets.

Randhir Singh Benipal, BSP’s National Co-ordinator and in charge for Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh and Himachal, also addressed the gathering. He emphasised the importance of carrying forward the movement of BSP in Punjab, which he described as the land of Kanshi Ram. Benipal praised Kanshi Ram for preserving the legacy of Dr BR Ambedkar, even after Ambedkar’s death and for establishing BSP with the goal of raising awareness about the rights and justice for the Bahujan community.

Benipal criticised Congress and BJP for attempting to undermine Dr Ambedkar’s legacy, alleging that they had failed to eliminate BSP and were now using Ambedkar’s image to gain political advantage. He stressed the importance of protecting the SC community, the core base of BSP, from being distracted by such political manoeuvres.

Prominent leaders at the rally included Kulwant Kaur (sister of Late Kanshi Ram), Dr. Nachhattar Pal (MLA, Nawanshahar BSP), Ajit Singh Baini (Incharge BSP Punjab), Parveen Banga, and Harbhaghan Singh Balalon, among others.