Punjab Newsline | Sangrur
By : Samriti Sharma
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday took a sharp dig at Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his promise to make Punjab drug-free by December 31, 2029, predicting that Shah would no longer be the Home Minister by then.
Addressing the Congress’s ‘Insaaf Rally’ in Sangrur, Rahul Gandhi also questioned the Centre over the drugs seized at Mundra Port, asking what action had been taken in the case. He alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi was working at the behest of US President Donald Trump and called him a “traitor”.
The rally saw several senior Congress leaders target the BJP-led Central government and raise issues including drug abuse, gangsterism, unemployment, industrial decline and Punjab’s law and order situation.
Rahul Gandhi Targets Amit Shah Over Drug-Free Punjab Promise
Questioning Amit Shah’s commitment to making Punjab drug-free by the end of 2029, Rahul Gandhi said it was his assessment that Shah would not remain Home Minister three years from now.
He also sought answers from the Centre regarding the seizure of drugs at Mundra Port, questioning what action had been taken in the matter.
Calling drugs one of Punjab’s biggest challenges, Rahul Gandhi brought Balkaur Singh, father of late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, onto the stage. Referring to Moosewala’s killing, he said what happened to the singer had become a trend in Punjab.
Rahul Gandhi Accuses Centre of Failing Punjab on Law and Order
Rahul Gandhi raised concerns over Punjab’s law and order situation, alleging that gangsters were being nurtured inside jails. He also questioned the Centre’s position on law and order, saying the situation in Manipur should be explained as well.
He argued that Punjab could not effectively fight drugs and gangsterism without strengthening its agricultural sector and reviving small and medium-sized industries.
According to Rahul Gandhi, Punjab had a strong foundation of small and medium enterprises during previous Congress governments. He said the Congress could protect farmers and revive industries to address the state’s economic challenges.
He further asserted that if Congress formed the government in Punjab, it would be run from Punjab rather than Delhi, promising a government focused on the needs of the state and its people.
Mallikarjun Kharge Alleges ‘Vote Chori’
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge accused the ruling establishment of electoral malpractice, alleging that votes had been stolen and that governments formed through such practices were running several parts of the country.
Targeting the government in Delhi, Kharge described it as a government of “vote thieves”. His remarks added to the Congress’s broader allegations of irregularities in the electoral process.
Pargat Singh Sets Sights on 2027 Punjab Elections
Punjab Congress president Pargat Singh called on party workers to unite and work towards forming a Congress government in the state in the 2027 Assembly elections.
He also expressed his aspiration to see Rahul Gandhi become Prime Minister in 2029 under the leadership of Mallikarjun Kharge.
Pargat Singh said Punjabis wanted love and respect and had no other major demands. He accused the Central government of treating Punjab like a stepchild despite the hard work and contributions of its people.
Partap Singh Bajwa Says Open Borders Could Help Punjab’s Youth
Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Partap Singh Bajwa, said that if the borders were opened, Punjab’s youth would have greater opportunities and would not need to go abroad in search of a better future.
His remarks highlighted the issue of youth migration, a key concern in Punjab amid debates over employment opportunities and the state’s economic prospects.
Charanjit Singh Channi Praises Rally’s Enthusiasm
Former Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi praised the enthusiasm displayed by the gathering, saying the rally had demonstrated that courage was the community’s greatest strength.
His remarks sought to energise party workers as the Congress prepares for the upcoming political contest in Punjab.
Raja Warring Urges Congress Workers to Fight at Every Booth
Former Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring credited the Congress with giving him the opportunity to serve the public and build his political identity.
Recalling his humble background, Warring said his father had not even been in a position to become a village sarpanch, but the Congress had provided him with an opportunity to work for the people.
He urged party workers to strengthen the organisation at the grassroots level and fight for the Congress at every polling booth.
Congress Sharpens Attack Ahead of 2027 Polls
Sangrur rally served as a platform for Congress leaders to intensify their criticism of the BJP-led Central government while highlighting issues affecting Punjab, including drug abuse, gangsterism, unemployment, industrial revival and youth migration.
With the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections approaching, the party leadership called for greater unity among workers and positioned the Congress as an alternative to address the state’s political, economic and law and order challenges.
