SANGRUR — Setting the stage for an intense political battle in Punjab, Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi addressed a major public rally in Sangrur on Wednesday, launching a direct attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann over the state’s drug crisis and deteriorating law and order.
The ‘Insaaf Rally’ in Sangrur—a central hub of the politically crucial Malwa region—marked the official launch of the Congress party’s campaign to reclaim power in the state.
Fierce Political Assault on State Leadership
Addressing thousands of supporters on the ruling party’s home turf, Gandhi questioned the administration’s resolve to tackle substance abuse while sharing personal recollections from his time alongside Mann in Parliament:
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Personal Critique: Recalling interactions during Mann’s tenure as a Lok Sabha member, Gandhi alleged that the Chief Minister was frequently under the influence of alcohol during daytime hours, arguing that effective leadership against the drug menace requires uncompromising personal commitment from the top executive.
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Focus on Crime and Safety: Bringing Balkaur Singh Sidhu, the father of slain singer Sidhu Moosewala, onto the stage, Gandhi pointed to the high-profile 2022 murder as proof of rampant gangsterism and failing public security across Punjab.
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Pledge of Local Governance: Gandhi promised voters that a future Congress government in Punjab would make decisions independently from within the state, criticizing what he described as remote control from central party leaders in Delhi.
AAP Sharpens Rebuttal as Central Leadership targeted
The Aam Aadmi Party reacted swiftly to the allegations, dismissing the statements as baseless political slander meant to divert attention from local issues:
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AAP Response: AAP Delhi President Saurabh Bharadwaj strongly condemned the remarks, labeling them as low-level personal attacks that reflect political desperation rather than substantive policy critique.
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Challenge to Central Government: Broadening his political attack, Gandhi also targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah, questioning the central government’s multi-year timeline to clear the state of illicit narcotics and predicting early political shifts at the Centre.
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Economic Policy Debate: The Congress leader concluded by reiterating his call for a public debate with Prime Minister Narendra Modi concerning international trade agreements, rural economic policies, and agricultural protection.
