Rahul Gandhi Launches Punjab Poll Campaign With Attacks on AAP and BJP

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi launched his party's campaign for the Punjab Assembly election on November 4, 2026, by criticizing the state government over law and order and the illegal drug trade. Speaking at an 'Insaaf Rally' in Sangrur district, Mr. Gandhi targeted the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and brought up the high-profile daylight murder of singer Sidhu Moosewala in 2022.

Campaign Issues

Mr. Gandhi said that talented individuals in Punjab who want to work for the country are scared and threatened. He accused the AAP government of failing to stop the drug trade, stating that drugs like heroin and synthetic narcotics remain a major issue despite pre-poll promises to remove them. He also criticized the BJP, claiming that Union Home Minister Amit Shah will not remain in office long and questioning him about drug seizures at Gujarat ports and the situation in Manipur. Furthermore, Mr. Gandhi accused both the AAP and the BJP of running governments from Delhi rather than from within Punjab.

Party Leadership Statements

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge also addressed the gathering. He accused the RSS and the BJP of weakening constitutional values and institutional integrity while fueling atrocities based on caste, gender, and religion. Mr. Kharge urged voters to support the Congress to bring change, calling both central and state administrations governments of unfulfilled promises.

Context

Election campaigns in Punjab frequently focus on public safety and drug addiction due to their long-standing social impact in the region. Political parties often use rallies in districts like Sangrur to rally local support ahead of upcoming legislative assembly polls.