Sukhjinder Randhawa at Baba Bakala: Congress will fight drugs, gangsters, and Govt failures
Babushahi Bureau
Baba Bakala (Punjab), August 28, 2026: Former Punjab Deputy Chief Minister and Congress MP Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa launched a sharp attack on the Bhagwant Mann-led Punjab Government during a Congress programme at Baba Bakala Sahib on Friday, saying the party's political fight was not against any individual but for the future of Punjab and against drugs, gangsters and what he described as government failures.
Addressing Congress workers, Randhawa said Punjab did not need leaders who compromised with political parties for personal interests. He called for leadership based on “character, courage and accountability” and said promises made to people should not be forgotten after coming to power.
‘Drugs Being Sold Village to Village While Government Runs Publicity Campaign’
Targeting the state government's anti-drug campaign, Randhawa alleged that drugs continued to be sold openly in villages, streets and localities across Punjab despite the government's claims of action against the menace.
He said the drug problem could not be addressed through advertisements and slogans alone and called for political will, accountability and action on the ground.
“Saving Punjab's youth from drugs must be the government's biggest priority,” he said.
Randhawa also questioned the government's handling of organised crime and alleged links between sections of the police administration and gangsters. He demanded that Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann explain what concrete action had been taken against gangsters in the state.
Warns of Police Station Gheraos Over Alleged Injustice
Randhawa also issued a warning to the police administration, urging police officials to improve their functioning and ensure fair treatment of ordinary citizens and political workers.
He said Congress would not remain a “silent spectator” if injustice was committed against party workers or common people.
Asking Congress workers whether they were ready to gherao police stations, Randhawa said the party's next political battle would be fought outside police stations wherever its workers were allegedly subjected to injustice.
Raises SYL, Chandigarh and Sikh Prisoners’ Issues
Randhawa also challenged Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini to come to Punjab and publicly state that the water of the Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) canal belongs to Punjab.
He further demanded that Saini make his position clear on Chandigarh, saying Punjab would not compromise on its water, capital or constitutional rights.
Raising the issue of Sikh prisoners, Randhawa demanded the release of prisoners who have completed their legally prescribed sentences. He said a commitment had been made in 2019 regarding the release of certain Sikh prisoners, but the issue remained unresolved.
He also demanded strict action over allegations concerning the availability of mobile phones to gangsters lodged in Gujarat jails and sought accountability wherever security lapses were established.
‘Raksha Bandhan Must Mean Safety and Dignity of Every Woman’
Referring to Raksha Bandhan, Randhawa said the festival should represent a broader commitment to the safety, dignity and honour of every woman and girl in Punjab rather than being reduced to a symbolic gesture.
He said the safety of women should be treated as both a political and social priority.
Claims Congress Will Return to Power With 80-Plus Seats in 2027
Speaking about the Congress organisation, Randhawa claimed that the party was united and ready for the political battle ahead. He said its strength lay in its grassroots workers and that Congress would continue to raise Punjab's issues on the streets as well as in the Assembly and Parliament.
He expressed confidence that Congress would return to power in Punjab after the 2027 Assembly elections, claiming that the party would win more than 80 seats and form the government.
Randhawa described the Baba Bakala gathering as a potentially significant moment in the Congress campaign and said the people of Punjab were ready for change.