Rahul Gandhi recalls meeting Sidhu Moosewala at Punjab rally
The Leader of the Opposition remembered the late singer and criticised the Punjab government over drug abuse.
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi remembered the late Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala during the party's 'Insaaf Rally' in Punjab on Wednesday, according to the Times of India. Gandhi, who is the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, invited the singer's father onto the stage to recount their first meeting.
Gandhi said he did not know much about the musician when they met in his office a few years ago. He described the singer as a talented and dynamic individual who made an impression despite having tattoos. The Congress leader stated that he inducted Moosewala into the party based on his personality and the impression he made during their interaction.
The MP noted that he felt the singer was entering a risky environment by participating in politics. Gandhi said he wanted to provide the young man with political protection to help him feel at ease within the party.
During the rally, Gandhi also criticised Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) regarding the drug problem in the state. He questioned the government's ability to fulfil its promise to eliminate drug abuse.
Gandhi alleged that the Chief Minister's breath would smell of alcohol by 11 am during interactions in Parliament. While stating that alcohol consumption is a personal matter, the Congress leader said a Chief Minister leading a campaign against drugs should not be under the influence of intoxicants.