Sangrur. Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has made a scathing attack on Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann regarding the increasing drug trade in Punjab. Speaking at the Congress' 'Insaf Rally' held in Sangrur, Rahul claimed that when he used to sit with Bhagwant Mann in the Lok Sabha, the smell of liquor would smell from his mouth till around 11 in the morning. He said that drinking alcohol is a personal matter of an individual, but the Chief Minister, who is leading the fight against drugs, being under the influence of drugs himself raises serious questions.
Rahul Gandhi said that Punjab needs such a leadership, which understands the pain of families suffering from drug addiction and works with full commitment against this problem. He alleged that the Aam Aadmi Party had promised to make Punjab drug-free before coming to power, but the drug problem still persists in the state.
'Punjab government is being run from Delhi'
Rahul Gandhi targeted the Bhagwant Mann government and alleged that the administration of Punjab is being controlled from Delhi. He said that the state needs a government which works in the interests of Punjab and whose Chief Minister has the right to take independent decisions.
He claimed that announcements alone are not enough to deal with the problem of drugs and gangsterism in Punjab. For this, industries, factories and agriculture sector will have to be strengthened, so that the youth can get employment opportunities. Rahul said that lack of economic opportunities can also push the youth towards wrong paths.
Questions raised on Amit Shah's claim of three years
The Congress leader also raised questions on the claim of Union Home Minister Amit Shah that the drug trade will be eliminated from the country within three years. Rahul said that it is not certain whether Amit Shah will remain the Home Minister after three years or not. He claimed that the current central government may fall within a year.
Raising the issue of thousands of kilograms of drugs and heroin seized earlier at Mundra port in Gujarat, Rahul asked what action has been taken so far in that case. He accused the central government of not taking effective steps against drug trade and organized crime. He made these allegations during a political rally.
Prime Minister Modi challenged for debate for the third time
In the rally, Rahul Gandhi also repeated the challenge to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a face-to-face debate. He said that the Prime Minister can choose any platform and place. The issue of debate can be placed on the allegations of opposition being anti-national and having links with foreign powers.
Rahul also accused the central government of giving protection to the gangsters in jail. Apart from this, he raised the issue of law and order in Manipur and sought answers from the Home Minister.
Congress started campaign before 2027 assembly elections
This rally organized in Sangrur is being seen as the beginning of the political campaign of the Congress in preparation for the 2027 assembly elections in Punjab. Many senior party leaders including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge were present in it.
Congress leaders cornered the Aam Aadmi Party government on the issues of drugs, corruption and law and order. The party appealed for change of power in Punjab, promising to strengthen farmers, small industries and employment.
There was no immediate reaction from the Aam Aadmi Party regarding Rahul Gandhi's personal allegations against Bhagwant Mann in the rally. In such a situation, the comment regarding alcohol consumption should be considered as a political allegation of Rahul Gandhi, independent confirmation of this is not available.