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Ludhiana, October 20, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday participated in Vijayadashami celebrations in Ludhiana, where he symbolically burnt an effigy of 'Chitta' (drugs) and pledged to eliminate the drug trade from Punjab by December 31, 2029.
Addressing the gathering, Shah said the traditional burning of Ravana's effigy represents the triumph of good over evil. He noted that Vijayadashami also serves as a reminder for people to overcome personal weaknesses such as ego, arrogance and greed.
Recalling the significance of Lord Ram's victory over Ravana, Shah said the festival has been celebrated for thousands of years as a symbol of the victory of righteousness over evil.
The Home Minister also referred to Ludhiana's long-standing Dussehra tradition, saying he had heard since childhood that people should visit the city to witness Ravana Dahan, organized by the local Ramlila Committee for around 200 years.
Shah said he had met families at three locations in Punjab on Tuesday who had lost their sons in the fight against drugs. He described the relatives' grief, questions and tears as deeply disturbing.
He said the Punjab government had handed over the investigation into one murder to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and urged it to transfer the remaining two cases to the central agency as well. Shah expressed confidence that justice would be delivered, asserting that anyone found involved would be identified and brought to justice.
Making a commitment on Vijayadashami, Shah declared that the government would work to make Punjab completely drug-free by December 31, 2029. He said achieving this goal would be a fitting tribute to the three individuals who had lost their lives.
He also appealed to Punjab residents to share information about drug trafficking through the Narcotics Control Bureau's toll-free helpline, assuring them that the government would act on such inputs.
Citing the removal of Articles 370 and 35A, efforts against terrorism and the elimination of Naxalism, Shah said the Narendra Modi government had a record of fulfilling its commitments. He added that eliminating the drug trade was another goal the government was determined to achieve.