Sangrur, November 4, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi on Wednesday questioned Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s promise to make Punjab drug-free within three years, challenging the Centre to explain its record in tackling drug trafficking and organised criminal networks.
Addressing the Congress’ ‘Insaaf Rally’ near Sangrur, attended by party president Mallikarjun Kharge and other senior leaders, Gandhi took a swipe at Shah over the three-year deadline.
“What deadline has he given? Three years? In three years, Amit Shah may not even be the Home Minister. I don’t know what he is talking about,” Gandhi remarked.
Gandhi also questioned the Centre over previous seizures of large quantities of narcotics and heroin at Adani’s port in Gujarat, asking what concrete action had been taken against the alleged trafficking networks. He further accused the Centre of allowing organised criminal networks to operate with protection and raised concerns over the law and order situation, including developments in Manipur.
Targeting the Aam Aadmi Party government in Punjab, Gandhi accused Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann of failing to control the drug menace. He alleged that Punjab was being governed through a remote control from Delhi and said the state needed a government that prioritised the interests of its people. He also made personal allegations about Mann’s drinking habits, referring to their earlier interactions in Parliament.
Gandhi further challenged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to participate in an open debate on allegations concerning foreign influence and India’s national interests.
The rally, which marked the beginning of the Congress’ political mobilisation ahead of the 2027 Punjab Assembly elections, focused on drug abuse, gangster violence, unemployment, farmers’ concerns and law and order. The party used the gathering to target both the BJP-led Centre and the AAP government while positioning itself as an alternative in the state.
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