Honey Singh met senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader Tarun Chugh on Monday as the two came together to raise awareness against drug abuse ahead of the upcoming Punjab assembly elections expected in early 2027.
The singer, who has openly spoken in recent years about his personal battle with alcohol and cannabis addiction, said he wanted to highlight the growing impact of drugs, especially heroin or “chitta”, on Punjab’s youth.
Speaking in Punjabi in a video shared online alongside Chugh, Honey Singh said countless families were being devastated by drug addiction and stressed the need to help young people move away from narcotics.
Honey Singh speaks about Punjab’s drug crisis
The Delhi based singer, whose family roots trace back to Punjab, praised Chugh for already working actively on anti drug efforts in the state.
While Honey Singh was welcomed with a ceremonial shawl during the meeting, there has been no official announcement regarding him joining the BJP.
The BJP, which currently has only two MLAs in the 117 member Punjab Assembly, is attempting to strengthen its political footprint in the state independently after ruling out a renewed alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal.
Tarun Chugh calls Honey Singh’s journey inspiring
Chugh, who serves as the BJP’s national general secretary, described Honey Singh as a global face of Punjab whose life story could motivate young people struggling with addiction.
In the video, Chugh spoke about how the singer rose to fame, lost his way because of bad influences and later fought his way back after years of personal struggle.
He urged Honey Singh to use his popularity, music and public voice to inspire Punjab’s youth to stay away from drugs such as heroin, smack and hashish.
The BJP leader said Honey Singh’s recovery showed that overcoming addiction was possible and encouraged young people to draw hope from the singer’s journey.
BJP sharpens focus on Punjab
Chugh, a prominent BJP face from Amritsar, has remained a key organisational figure for the party in Punjab despite previous electoral defeats.
He was recently seen as instrumental in facilitating the defection of several Aam Aadmi Party Rajya Sabha MPs to the BJP, significantly strengthening the party’s presence in the Upper House from Punjab.
The BJP has increasingly intensified its efforts in the state as it seeks to expand politically after its rise in regions like West Bengal.
Honey Singh’s past controversies resurface
Honey Singh’s anti drug messaging comes amid longstanding criticism surrounding some of his earlier music, which opponents accused of glorifying substance abuse and objectifying women.
Several of his underground tracks once again became part of public debate earlier this year following a Delhi High Court takedown order.
In August 2025, the Punjab State Women’s Commission issued a notice to the singer over lyrics from his track Millionaire, alleging they were offensive towards women.
Despite the controversies, Honey Singh has increasingly attempted to reposition himself publicly as someone advocating against drug abuse.
Drugs remain major political issue in Punjab
Drug addiction has remained one of Punjab’s most sensitive political issues for years, featuring prominently across multiple election campaigns.
Bhagwant Mann recently renewed his government’s pledge to combat the crisis through the state’s “Yuddh Nasheyan Viruddh” campaign aimed at cracking down on drug peddling and expanding rehabilitation efforts.
