Congress Intensifies Anti-Drugs War in Gujarat with NSUI Bike Rally, Helpline Launch

Ahmedabad | Gujarat —  In a bold escalation of its campaign against the rising menace of drugs and illicit liquor in Gujarat, the Congress Party launched a high-decibel statewide movement, led by its student wing, NSUI. The day saw an energetic ‘Say No To Drugs’ bike rally from Gujarat University to Rajiv Gandhi Congress Bhavan, where top leaders — including State Congress President Amit Chavda and Vadgam MLA Jignesh Mevani — joined hundreds of students, signaling a renewed political confrontation with the BJP government over law and order.

The rally, intended to highlight gaps in enforcement under the ruling BJP, witnessed fiery speeches. Jignesh Mevani took direct aim at Gujarat’s Minister of State for Home, Harsh Sanghvi, saying the government had “failed to protect the youth from the poisonous drug network spreading across the state.”

“Harsh Sanghvi is in my constituency today,” Mevani declared during the rally.

“I challenge him — let’s have a one-to-one debate inside Gujarat Police Bhavan. Let him answer who shipped drugs worth ₹72,000 crore to Gujarat’s coast, and who demanded them. The truth must come out.”

The Congress claims Gujarat has turned into a “retailing hub for narcotics,” alleging that drug peddling is flourishing under political protection. As part of its intensified fight, the party announced a new helpline and WhatsApp number (9909089365) for citizens to anonymously report drug and liquor networks.

State Congress chief Amit Chavda said the public is afraid to come forward — and the helpline aims to change that.

“Young people are scared to speak,” Chavda said while releasing the number.

“Anyone can now send a WhatsApp message or a missed call about liquor dens, drug peddlers, gambling or brothel activities. We will forward the details to the government and ensure the identity of the informant is protected.”

The party also declared that NSUI will administer anti-drug pledges across 200 campuses, urging college administrations to monitor drug presence on their premises. Women’s Congress, meanwhile, announced its own parallel initiative — preparing lists of illicit liquor establishments and submitting them to the police. If action is not taken, the Women’s Congress has warned it will “raid the liquor dens themselves.”

Congress Working President Indravijay Singh Gohil stressed the gravity of the youth addiction crisis, calling for institutional accountability.

“Students come to college to study — not to encounter drugs,” he said.

“NSUI will ensure 200 campuses take a pledge. College management must ensure no student carries drugs inside the campus.”

Mevani continued his attack on the state administration, alleging that narcotics and liquor outlets operate brazenly even near religious places.

“Drugs and liquor are being sold within one or two kilometres of temples and mosques in Gujarat,” he said.

“This is shameful. I salute the honest officers in khaki, but the government must remove the corrupt ones immediately.”

However, the Congress rally also drew attention for an ironic reason — several leaders were spotted riding without helmets, despite the event advocating discipline and protection of youth. Critics have pointed out the contradiction, questioning the party’s commitment to safety regulations.

Even so, Congress maintains that the focus must remain on the core issue — the growing drug threat.

“This is not a political stunt,” Chavda said. “This is a fight to save Gujarat’s future.”