Youth in India being targeted through drugs to weaken country from within, says Maharashtra CM Fadnavis

Maharashtra CM Fadnavis launches 'Nasha Mukta Navi Mumbai' campaign to combat drug menace, urges collective fight for drug-free India.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Wednesday (January 8, 2025) said that while India is emerging as a strong nation and the fifth-largest economy, its youth is being targeted through drugs to weaken the country from within.

Describing drugs as an "invisible enemy", he urged people to wage a war against the menace and fight it collectively.

Mr. Fadnavis was speaking at the inauguration of the 'Nasha Mukta Navi Mumbai' campaign, an ambitious initiative to make Mumbai's satellite city drug-free. The campaign has been launched by the Navi Mumbai police.

Addressing the gathering, the CM said, "This is the most important campaign undertaken by the Navi Mumbai police. But it is not just about Navi Mumbai. It is a battle for Maharashtra and Bharat. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, India is emerging as a strong nation and the fifth-largest economy. But as we rise, our youth is being targeted through drugs to weaken the country from within," he said.

"Countries like Canada have lost their battle against drugs and resorted to legalisation. But Bharat is in a position to win this war. With robust coordination among states and districts, we will ensure that Maharashtra and the country become drug-free," he added.

Mr. Fadnavis emphasized the role of society in combating the drug menace.

"This is not a usual war. You can see and fight a visible enemy with strength, but fighting an invisible enemy like drugs requires society's collective strength," he said.