Rahul Gandhi launches Punjab election campaign focusing on drugs and gangsterism
The Congress leader addressed an Insaaf Rally in Sangrur, criticising the AAP government over law and order and the drug menace.
Congress leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi launched the party's campaign for the Punjab Assembly election on Wednesday, November 4, at an Insaaf Rally in Sangrur. According to The Hindu, Gandhi focused his address on the illegal drug trade, growing gangsterism, and worsening law and order in the state.
Gandhi identified 'chitta', or adulterated heroin, as a major issue in Punjab. He claimed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government has failed to fulfil its promise to eradicate drugs. He also stated that the mindset responsible for the murder of singer Shubhdeep Singh Sidhu, known as Sidhu Moosewala, is spreading across the state.
The Congress leader accused both the AAP and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of running governments from Delhi. He urged voters to elect a Congress government to protect farmers and strengthen small and medium industries, such as textiles and automobiles, to combat crime and drugs.
Gandhi also criticised Home Minister Amit Shah regarding the drug situation in Gujarat and the law and order situation in Manipur. He challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to an open debate to address claims that opposition parties are anti-national.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also addressed the rally, alleging that the RSS and BJP are hollowing out constitutional values and institutional integrity. Other leaders present included Punjab in-charge Sachin Pilot and state Congress chief Pargat Singh.