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Politics
Amit Shah Gives 2029 Deadline on Punjab Drug War, Pressuring AAP Before 2027 Polls
✍️ Business Today
🗓 04 Oct 2026, 02:46 AM
👁 12
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has set a 2029 deadline for curbing the drug menace in Punjab, a move that puts the state government led by AAP under heightened scrutiny ahead of the 2027 elections.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced a firm deadline of 2029 for the Punjab government to deliver measurable results in its fight against the drug crisis that has plagued the state for years. The deadline was disclosed in a statement to the media and underscores the central government's expectation of decisive action.
The announcement arrives at a politically sensitive time, as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) currently governs Punjab and is preparing for the 2027 state assembly elections. Party leaders are now tasked with demonstrating tangible progress on drug seizures, rehabilitation programmes and preventive measures to avoid criticism from the centre.
Political analysts note that the 2029 target creates additional pressure on AAP to align its anti‑drug strategy with the central government's broader campaign. Failure to meet the deadline could be leveraged by opposition parties to question the state government's effectiveness.
While the deadline is set for 2029, officials expect incremental milestones to be reported annually, allowing both the centre and the state to monitor progress closely. The move signals a coordinated effort to address a long‑standing law‑and‑order challenge while influencing the electoral narrative in Punjab.
The announcement arrives at a politically sensitive time, as the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) currently governs Punjab and is preparing for the 2027 state assembly elections. Party leaders are now tasked with demonstrating tangible progress on drug seizures, rehabilitation programmes and preventive measures to avoid criticism from the centre.
Political analysts note that the 2029 target creates additional pressure on AAP to align its anti‑drug strategy with the central government's broader campaign. Failure to meet the deadline could be leveraged by opposition parties to question the state government's effectiveness.
While the deadline is set for 2029, officials expect incremental milestones to be reported annually, allowing both the centre and the state to monitor progress closely. The move signals a coordinated effort to address a long‑standing law‑and‑order challenge while influencing the electoral narrative in Punjab.