The Rahul Gandhi Bhagwant Mann alcohol remarks have triggered a political confrontation between the Congress and the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), with the exchange taking place ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections.
Addressing the Congress's Insaaf Rally in Sangrur on November 4, Rahul Gandhi questioned Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's ability to tackle the state's drug problem. He also made allegations about Mann's alcohol consumption, recalling an interaction during their time in Parliament.
Gandhi claimed that he had noticed the smell of alcohol coming from Mann during a Lok Sabha sitting at around 11 am. He clarified that drinking was a personal matter but argued that a chief minister leading a campaign against substance abuse should set an example.
Gandhi Questions AAP's Record on Punjab's Drug Problem
The Congress leader questioned the AAP government's promise to eliminate drugs from Punjab and asked what progress had been made towards fulfilling that commitment.
He argued that the drug menace and gangsterism could not be addressed without creating employment opportunities and developing industries and infrastructure.
Gandhi said Punjab needed a government that understood the concerns of its people and could provide opportunities for young people.
He also referred to the killing of Punjabi singer Sidhu Moosewala in May 2022. Recalling his meeting with the singer before his death, Gandhi described him as a talented young man who wanted to join the Congress.
He questioned the withdrawal of Moosewala's security before the killing and raised concerns about the broader law-and-order situation in Punjab.
Rahul Gandhi Targets Amit Shah and Arvind Kejriwal
Gandhi also criticised Union Home Minister Amit Shah over his promise to eliminate the drug menace within three years. He questioned the Centre's action against drugs seized at Adani ports and accused the authorities of failing to tackle gangsterism.
The Congress leader further alleged that the Punjab government was being controlled by AAP leaders in Delhi, including Arvind Kejriwal, rather than functioning independently under Mann.
He promised that a Congress government would operate independently and focus on farmers, small businesses and employment generation.
Gandhi also challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to a public debate, criticising his relationship with industrialists and referring to US President Donald Trump's repeated claims about stopping the India-Pakistan conflict.
AAP Calls Congress Rally 'Directionless'
The Aam Aadmi Party responded sharply, describing the Insaaf Rally as "directionless" and accusing Gandhi of failing to present a clear vision or development roadmap for Punjab.
AAP claimed that the Congress had become a fragmented political organisation with declining electoral relevance. It also criticised the party's performance in Punjab and questioned its ability to offer voters a credible alternative.
The exchange highlights the growing political contest between Congress and AAP ahead of the 2027 Assembly elections. Although both parties are partners in the INDIA bloc at the national level, they are preparing to compete against each other in Punjab.
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