Sangrur: Sounding the poll bugle for the Congress from chief minister Bhagwant Mann’s home turf, Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a sharp attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over drugs, gangster violence, and farmers’ issues. He declared that Punjab was being run from Delhi and called for a Congress government that works for the state.
Addressing the party’s Insaaf Rally at Phaguwala village in Sangrur district, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha targeted the AAP government’s unfulfilled promises ahead of the 2027 assembly elections. Questioning the AAP’s claims of tackling illicit drugs, the Congress leader asked voters to assess the government’s record against its pre-poll guarantees. He argued that Punjab urgently needed employment opportunities and economic revival to steer its youth away from crime and addiction. Turning his attack on the BJP-led Union government, Gandhi challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to an open debate over allegations that the Congress was anti-national. He alleged that the opposition was being denied a fair hearing in Parliament, claiming his microphone was routinely switched off. Gandhi also claimed Modi was influenced by US President Donald Trump, saying he could prove his charge within five minutes. The rally was attended by Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Punjab Congress chief Pargat Singh, state in-charge Sachin Pilot, and several senior leaders. Kharge expressed confidence that the Congress would return to power in Punjab, marking the event as the official launch of the party’s campaign for the assembly polls.
“Come anywhere, sit with me, and debate,” he said.
