Addressing the Congress Insaaf rally in Sangrur on November 4, Rahul Gandhi described the widespread drug problem as Punjab's biggest crisis and launched a sharp political attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann. He emphasized that liberating the state from substance abuse requires leadership capable of truly feeling the pain of the public. Clarifying that an individual's drinking habits remain a personal matter, he insisted that someone heading a government cannot afford an evening intoxication habit while spearheading an anti-drug campaign across the state.
Challenging the Aam Aadmi Party on Drug Eradication Pledges
Speaking to the gathering, the Congress leader highlighted that the electorate in Punjab placed immense trust in Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party when voting them to power. A primary electoral commitment made before securing office was the complete elimination of illicit narcotics from Punjab. Pointing to current ground realities, he questioned which specific corner of Punjab has actually witnessed the end of the drug menace. He asserted that the ruling establishment lacks the capacity to purge narcotics from the state.
Recalling Lok Sabha Days and Criticizing Personal Conduct
Reflecting on earlier days in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi shared anecdotes from the period when Bhagwant Mann served as a fellow parliamentarian. He recalled how Mann used to sit nearby in the chamber cracking jokes, noting that the smell of liquor would come from his breath as early as 11 in the morning.
“If you want to fight drugs, your Chief Minister cannot be intoxicated every evening.”
Rahul Gandhi remarked that while consuming alcohol is an entirely private matter, a Chief Minister who turns to alcohol every single evening cannot lead a serious battle against the drug epidemic. He stressed that Punjab needs an administrative head who actively struggles on behalf of the state, surrounded by colleagues within the party who comprehend the genuine plight of ordinary citizens.
Citing the Murder of Sidhu Moosewala and Deteriorating Security
Expressing grave concern over the state of law and order, Rahul Gandhi drew attention to the fatal shooting of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala. He remarked that what occurred with Moosewala has effectively turned into a regular pattern across Punjab today. He claimed that the violent ideology responsible for gunning down Moosewala has permeated across the entire region. Those who demonstrate genuine commitment toward working for Punjab now face intimidation, open threats, and are brazenly gunned down in public view.
Confronting Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Crime and Governance
The Congress leader also directed sharp criticism toward Union Home Minister Amit Shah, bringing up Shah's earlier promise to wipe out the narcotics trade in Punjab within three years. Questioning the credibility of that timeline, Rahul Gandhi suggested that the central administration itself would conclude within a single year. Challenging official talk on law and order, he alleged that the entire country knows gangsters are being nurtured, adding that any serious discourse by the Home Minister on law enforcement should also account for the crisis in Manipur.
The Debate Over Regional Autonomy and Administrative Control
Raising questions about how Punjab is administered, Rahul Gandhi accused the ruling setup of being remotely steered from the national capital. He alleged that half the control over the current administration rests with Amit Shah and the remaining half with Arvind Kejriwal, leaving governance reliant on Delhi rather than local leadership. Arguing that Punjab must be managed solely from within its own borders, he asserted that when Congress assumes office, it designates a local leader and empowers that Chief Minister to run the state independently.
