Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, officially launched the Congress party’s campaign for the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections on Wednesday. Addressing an 'Insaaf Rally' held in Sangrur—the home district of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann—Gandhi delivered a sharp critique of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government, focusing primarily on the persistent drug menace and the state's administrative autonomy.
During his address, Gandhi accused the AAP of failing to honor its 2022 mandate, which centered on eradicating drugs from Punjab. He questioned the current administration’s progress, asking where the promised drug-free environment was visible across the state. Gandhi further alleged that the reins of the Punjab government are being held by AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and Union Home Minister Amit Shah from Delhi, leaving the Chief Minister with little actual authority.
A significant portion of Gandhi’s speech was directed personally at Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. Recalling his time as a fellow member of the Lok Sabha, Gandhi alleged that Mann often appeared under the influence of alcohol during his tenure as a parliamentarian. Emphasizing the gravity of the drug crisis, Gandhi stated that Punjab requires a leader capable of feeling the pain of those affected by addiction rather than one who is preoccupied with intoxication. He asserted that the Congress party would ensure that a government in Punjab would be run from within the state, rather than dictated by leadership in the national capital.
The rally also served as a platform for Gandhi to pivot toward national politics and his ongoing friction with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). He reiterated his challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for an open debate. Gandhi claimed that the Prime Minister is influenced by US President Donald Trump, specifically alleging that a recent India-US trade deal was signed without adequate consultation with his cabinet or bureaucracy. He also criticized the BJP for demanding parliamentary discussions while allegedly silencing his own voice in the House by switching off his microphone.
Addressing the broader issue of law and order, Gandhi invoked the memory of the late singer Sidhu Moosewala, who was killed in the state. Gandhi shared details of his meeting with Moosewala’s father, Balkaur Singh, just before the rally, recalling how he had encouraged the talented artist to enter politics. He expressed deep concern over the threats faced by prominent figures in Punjab and referenced the withdrawal of the singer's security prior to the incident.
Gandhi also took aim at the Union government’s approach to Punjab's issues. He dismissed recent remarks made by Home Minister Amit Shah during a visit to the state on September 30, where Shah set a deadline of December 31, 2029, to make Punjab drug-free. Gandhi pointedly remarked that Shah would no longer be in his position as Home Minister by the time that deadline arrives, casting doubt on the federal government’s commitment to solving the state’s internal challenges.
As the campaign for 2027 begins to take shape, the Congress party is positioning itself as the primary opposition to both the state government and the BJP. By focusing on the emotional and social impact of the drug trade—which includes 'chitta' and medical narcotics—Gandhi’s remarks at the Sangrur rally signal a strategy aimed at re-engaging voters who previously turned toward the AAP, while simultaneously challenging the federal administration on matters of policy and governance.
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