Shimla, Sept. 21 -- BJP leader and former Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Jairam Thakur on Sunday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his initiatives against the growing problem of "drug abuse", emphasising the need for collective action to eradicate it.

Thakur made the remarks while attending the 'Namo Yuva Run', organised as part of the Prime Minister's 75th birthday.

While speaking to ANI, Thakur said, "It is fortunate that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is contributing to the country through his able leadership. This will be successful if every citizen of the country is healthy... Drug abuse cannot be stopped via speech or debates... Decisions need to be taken with the participation of the public."

The BJP leader praised the lar...