Drug Crisis Emerges As Key Issue For Punjab 2027 State Elections

The drug menace in Punjab is turning into a major political issue as the state moves closer to the 2027 Assembly elections, with addiction touching many households and driving public anger.

Past Promises

Past governments have failed to solve the problem despite heavy promises during previous election campaigns. Before the 2017 polls, Congress leader Captain Amarinder Singh swore on the Gutka Sahib to wipe out drugs within four weeks of taking office. The Congress party stayed in power until 2022, but the crisis persisted. The Aam Aadmi Party made a similar promise in 2022 to end the drug trade within three to four months. Four and a half years into their term, the issue remains unresolved across the state.

Context

Drug addiction and trafficking have long troubled border states like Punjab, turning into a central talking point for voters and political parties alike. When parties fail to deliver on past promises to stop the trade, public frustration often boils over during election seasons. Voters look closely at how leaders plan to protect youth and boost law enforcement.