Sangrur: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has launched a sharp attack on Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, accusing him of consuming alcohol regularly while the state continues to struggle with the growing drug menace. The remarks came during a Congress rally in Sangrur on November 4, marking the beginning of the party’s campaign ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Recalling his time in Parliament with Mann, Gandhi claimed that he had noticed the Chief Minister’s drinking habits even during morning parliamentary sessions. He alleged that Mann appeared to be under the influence of alcohol by 11 am.
Gandhi clarified that consuming alcohol was a personal choice but argued that a Chief Minister leading the fight against substance abuse must demonstrate personal commitment to the issue. He said Punjab needed a leader who understood the suffering of families affected by drugs and genuinely wanted to eliminate the menace.
The remarks triggered a strong reaction from the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), which described Gandhi’s comments as a below-the-belt political attack. AAP leaders criticised the Congress MP, arguing that such personal allegations were inappropriate for a leader of his stature. The party also accused Congress and BJP of targeting Punjab for political gains.
Gandhi extended his criticism to Union Home Minister Amit Shah, questioning the Centre’s promise to make Punjab drug-free within three years. He claimed that the government might not remain in power long enough to fulfil the commitment.
The Congress leader also raised concerns over gangsterism and law and order, recalling the murder of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022. He brought Moosewala’s father, Balkaur Singh Sidhu, onto the rally stage while highlighting the security challenges facing the state.
Promising a different approach to governance, Gandhi said a Congress government would ensure Punjab was governed from within the state rather than controlled by political leadership in Delhi. He alleged that AAP’s leadership structure allowed outside leaders to influence decisions.
Gandhi also challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to an open debate on farmers’ interests, industrial development, the economy and the India US trade agreement.
The Sangrur rally signals Congress’s attempt to directly challenge AAP on its political home turf as the battle for Punjab intensifies ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections.
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