The Gujarat unit of the Indian National Congress has officially declared war on substance abuse in the state. On Thursday, the party launched a significant public initiative titled 'Nasha Mukt Gujarat' (Drug-Free Gujarat), aiming to curb the availability and consumption of liquor and narcotics.
A Multi-Pronged Campaign Launch
The campaign's launch was marked by a visible show of strength and public outreach. The party's student wing, the National Students' Union of India (NSUI), organized a bike rally in Ahmedabad to generate awareness and signal the campaign's commencement. This public mobilization underscores the party's intent to take the issue directly to the people.
More concretely, the Congress has established a direct channel for citizens to report illicit activities. The party introduced a dedicated helpline number, 9909089365, where individuals can send complaints via WhatsApp regarding the availability of liquor and drugs in their localities. This move is designed to empower residents and gather ground-level intelligence.
Leadership Voices Concerns and Demands
Explaining the motivation behind the drive, Gujarat Congress President Amit Chavda revealed that the decision was fueled by public anguish encountered during the party's recent 'Jan Aakrosh Yatra'. He stated that numerous citizens, particularly women, shared their distress and grievances concerning the devastating impact of alcohol and narcotics on families and communities.
"The Congress is committed to the cause of an alcohol- and drugs-free Gujarat, and hence we have launched this campaign," Chavda told reporters, framing the issue as a core social welfare commitment.
Adding a political dimension to the campaign, State Congress working president and MLA Jignesh Mevani raised a pointed demand. He called upon the ruling state government to release a white paper containing accurate data on drug trafficking in Gujarat. This demand seeks to bring transparency and official accountability to the scale of the problem.
Grassroots Mobilization Against Addiction
The campaign outlines an active role for Congress party workers across the state. They have been tasked with vigilantly monitoring and checking the availability of banned substances in their respective areas. This grassroots-level vigilance is intended to complement the helpline and create sustained pressure on the networks distributing liquor and drugs.
The 'Nasha Mukt Gujarat' initiative positions the Congress party on a platform of social reform, directly addressing a issue that affects urban and rural households alike. By combining public rallies, a complaint mechanism, and a demand for governmental transparency, the party aims to build a concerted movement against addiction in the state.
