Rahul Gandhi accuses AAP of failing to curb drugs, corruption in Punjab; Says state needs a CM who stands up for its people
Bikramjeet Singh Patiala
Sangrur (Punjab), November 4, 2026: Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government in Punjab, accusing it of failing to curb drug abuse, allowing corruption to flourish, and failing to maintain law and order in the state.
Addressing the Congress ‘Insaaf Rally’ at Fagguwala village in Sangrur, Gandhi said the people of Punjab had placed their trust in Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, but his government had failed to live up to their expectations. He alleged that the drug menace continued unabated and that gangster activities had gained ground, worsening the law-and-order situation.
Referring to the growing drug problem, Gandhi said the failure to tackle substance abuse had devastated families across Punjab. He also targeted Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his claim that drugs would be eliminated by 2029, questioning the Centre’s record in taking action against drug trafficking through ports.
Taking aim at the state leadership, Gandhi said Punjab needed a Chief Minister who genuinely worked for the state’s interests rather than limiting himself to making people laugh with jokes. He alleged that the AAP government had failed to fulfil its promises, including providing a minimum support price (MSP) to farmers, financial assistance to women and eliminating drugs.
Gandhi also criticised what he described as the remote control of the Punjab government from Delhi, asserting that Congress governments believed in empowering the Chief Minister of the state to take decisions and run the administration.
Pays Tribute to Sidhu Moosewala
During his address, Gandhi invited the father of slain Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, Balkaur Singh, onto the stage and stood alongside him.
Recalling his meeting with Moosewala, Gandhi spoke about the singer’s personality and his ability to express the voice and concerns of Punjab through his music. He said he had been impressed by Moosewala’s confidence, talent and strong connection with Punjab.
Gandhi alleged that people who raised their voices for Punjab were being threatened and killed, drawing a parallel with Moosewala, who was shot dead in May 2022.
Targets BJP, Challenges PM Modi
Gandhi also attacked the BJP over its political ambitions in Punjab, recalling the farmers’ protests against the three contentious farm laws brought by the Narendra Modi government. He said the laws had eventually been repealed following a prolonged farmers’ agitation.
He asserted that protecting farmers, strengthening Punjab’s economy and promoting industrial development through small-scale manufacturing units were possible under a Congress government.
Referring to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Gandhi challenged him to sit across the table for five minutes, claiming that he could establish that the Prime Minister was betraying the country’s interests. He also referred to US President Donald Trump and alleged that the American leader had been using pressure to corner the Modi government.
Gandhi said Punjab needed leadership that understood the concerns of farmers, young people and ordinary citizens and was committed to protecting the state’s rights.
At the conclusion of the rally, Congress leader Vijay Inder Singla thanked party leaders, office-bearers and workers from across Punjab for making the event successful.
Several Congress leaders from Patiala district attended the rally, including Hardial Singh Kamboj, Madan Lal Jalalpur, Brahm Mohindra, Mohit Mahindra, Darbara Singh Samana, Rajinder Singh Sanour, Harinder Pal Singh Harry Mann, Sadhu Singh Dharamsot and Sanjeev Kumar Bittu, besides other party functionaries and workers.