Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday launched the party's campaign for the upcoming Punjab Assembly elections with an 'Insaaf Rally' in Sangrur, targeting the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government over the drug problem, unemployment and unfulfilled promises.
Addressing the gathering, Gandhi said 'chitta' (adulterated heroin) had become a major issue in Punjab and recalled that he had raised concerns about drugs spreading in the state several years ago.
He said the BJP and Shiromani Akali Dal had dismissed his concerns at the time, but the drug problem had now become a major challenge for Punjab.
Gandhi also criticised the Bhagwant Mann-led government, alleging that AAP was being run from Delhi and was not working independently for Punjab.
"People need a government that works for Punjab. Not like AAP, which is run from Delhi," he said.
The Congress leader questioned the state government's performance and asked the gathering which election promises had been fulfilled. He appealed to people to support Congress for employment opportunities and a drug-free Punjab.
Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, Punjab Congress in-charge Sachin Pilot, state Congress chief Pargat Singh and several senior party leaders attended the rally.
Among those present were Partap Bajwa, Vijay Inder Singla, Charanjit Singh Channi, Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, Rajinder Kaur Bhattal and Amrinder Singh Raja Warring.
Gandhi also spoke about his first meeting with Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala, who was shot dead in Mansa district on May 29, 2022.
He said Moosewala's father, Balkaur Singh, met him shortly before his rally address, prompting him to change his prepared speech.
Recalling their first meeting, Gandhi said Moosewala had visited his office several years ago, when he was not familiar with the singer or his music.
He described Moosewala as an impressive, talented and dynamic young man who wanted to join Congress.
Gandhi said the singer had made a strong impression on him and that the party had welcomed him into its ranks.
He added that he had wanted Moosewala to feel comfortable as he was new to politics and believed the singer could also make a mark in public life.
Gandhi said he listened to Moosewala's songs later and felt that Punjab's voice came through his music.
He also referred to the singer's security being withdrawn before his killing.
Moosewala was shot dead in broad daylight in Punjab's Mansa district in May 2022.
Gandhi recalled visiting the singer's residence after his death, where his father told him that losing a son was an unbearable pain.
Challenges PM Modi to open debate
During the rally, Gandhi also challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to an open debate over the latter's allegations that Congress was anti-national.
He said Modi could meet him anywhere for a discussion.
Gandhi further accused the BJP of preventing him from speaking freely in Parliament, alleging that his microphone was switched off during discussions.
His remarks came a day after Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the government was willing to convene a special session of Parliament to discuss the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise and challenged the opposition to participate.
The Sangrur rally marked Congress' campaign launch ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections scheduled for early next year.