Jalandhar, June 11 :
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday announced an intensified crackdown on drugs through the promotion of sports, under the ongoing Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh (War Against Drugs) campaign.
Addressing the gathering after laying the foundation stone for the Burlton Park Sports Hub—an ambitious project to be developed at a cost of approximately ₹78 crore—Chief Guest Arvind Kejriwal called it a historic day. He stated that this initiative will provide thousands of people with opportunities to engage in sports and maintain a healthy lifestyle. He also mentioned that this would be the first-of-its-kind sports complex in the country and would be completed within a year.
Arvind Kejriwal emphasized that Punjab was once a leader in multiple fields, including sports, but regressive policies by traditional political parties caused its decline. He blamed these parties for enabling the drug menace, asserting that Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh has now broken the backbone of the drug network. He highlighted the government’s bold actions, such as confiscating and demolishing the properties of drug smugglers through Operation Bulldoze.
Arvind Kejriwal said the upgrade of Burlton Park is a strategic move under the anti-drug campaign, and that ultra-modern stadiums will soon be established in every village to steer the youth away from drugs. He reiterated that the initiative aims to position Punjab as a frontrunner state in the country. Arvind Kejriwal also noted the state’s industry-friendly stance, which has attracted significant investment.
Arvind Kejriwal mentioned the establishment of new focal points across Punjab and the launch of the FastTrack Punjab Portal to ensure investors receive all necessary approvals within 45 days of application. He said Punjab, known for its courage, enterprise, and resilience, is now poised to lead India’s industrial resurgence. Over the past three years, the state government has launched several initiatives benefiting all sections of society, and this momentum will continue in the future, he added.
In his address, Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann highlighted Jalandhar’s legacy of producing exceptional athletes who have brought international acclaim to the country, particularly in hockey. He pointed out that many players of India’s national hockey squad hail from the district, with three generations of athletes having emerged from its grounds. However, the Chief Minister said that political mismanagement over the years caused Punjab to fall behind in sports.
Bhagwant Singh Mann stressed that the state’s lost glory in athletics would be restored through committed and strategic efforts. Reviving sports is a central pillar of Yudh Nasheyan De Virudh, he said that it aims to channel the youth’s energy into positive avenues. The Chief Minister also announced that historic Burlton Park would be renamed after a legendary Punjabi athlete, shedding its colonial legacy.
The Chief Minister added that international cricket stadiums would soon be developed in Jalandhar and Amritsar, following the one in Mullanpur. Bhagwant Singh Mann proudly noted that the captains of India’s men’s and women’s cricket teams, as well as the football team skipper, hail from Punjab. He asserted that Punjab would soon become the number one state in sports, and the government would leave no stone unturned in upgrading infrastructure and promoting athletic excellence.
The Chief Minister concluded by reaffirming the government’s commitment to the holistic development of Punjab and its people. He said that pristine glory of the state will be restored by all means and no stone will be left unturned for it. Bhagwant Singh Mann said that the day is not far away when Punjab will lead the country in every sphere.
