Convoy of Ex‑Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu Attacked Ahead of BJP’s Anti‑Drug Yatra in Punjab

Punjab, September 18 (2026) – A political rally turned chaotic on Friday when the convoy of former Union Minister Ravneet Singh Bittu was allegedly attacked near Pathankot. The incident unfolded just as the BJP was about to kick off its massive ‘Nasha Mukt Punjab Yatra’, a 4,000‑km road‑show aimed at highlighting the drug‑abuse problem in the state.

Bittu, who is contesting the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections, told reporters that three men were intercepted by his security detail. He claimed the three had ties to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) and were sent by a local MLA, identified only as ‘Sherry’, to block his participation in the anti‑drug campaign.

“It is a serious matter when a political leader’s convoy is assaulted,” Bittu said, his voice steady but with an undercurrent of frustration. “Such incidents raise grave doubts about the safety of elected representatives, especially during an election season.” He demanded an immediate, independent inquiry by the Punjab government and warned that the Chief Minister and the Director General of Police would be held accountable if any harm came to him.

The attack came at a sensitive moment. The BJP’s national president, Nitin Nabin, was slated to launch the yatra from Pathankot later that day, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah earmarked to address the concluding rally in Jalandhar on September 30. The tour plans to sweep through all 117 Assembly constituencies, aiming to put a human face on the drug‑addiction crisis by meeting families directly affected.

During a brief press briefing, Nabin framed the yatra as a response to what he described as “political expediency” of previous governments that, in his view, have used the drug issue for electoral gain without delivering substantive solutions. He linked the state‑level drive to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s nationwide anti‑drug initiative announced on August 2.

While the BJP’s narrative emphasizes a grassroots outreach, opposition parties have been quick to question the timing, suggesting the campaign could be a ploy to sway undecided voters ahead of the assembly polls. The alleged involvement of AAP supporters, if proven, could add another layer of tension to an already charged political atmosphere.

For now, the focus remains on the security of political figures as the yatra proceeds. Punjab’s law‑enforcement agencies have promised heightened vigilance, but whether that will be enough to prevent further flare‑ups remains to be seen.